For immediate release
August 23, 2002

Clermont County man with probable WNV dies

COLUMBUS - The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) announced that a Clermont County man with a probable case of West Nile virus (WNV) died Aug. 12. Lab samples from the 79-year-old male have been sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Fort Collins, Colo., for confirmation. Including this case, there are 13 other (14 total) probable WNV cases in Ohio.

"It is extremely unfortunate that we have lost a life," said Forrest Smith, M.D., state epidemiologist for the Ohio Department of Health. "If confirmed as West Nile virus, this would be Ohio's first death associated with the disease."

"West Nile virus is spread to humans only by mosquitoes, not by contact with an infected person. Ohioans should remember that fewer than 1 percent of mosquitoes are infected, even in areas where the virus has been detected. Only about one in 150 people bitten by an infected mosquito will become severely ill," Smith said. "The best advice I can give residents to avoid being bitten by an infected mosquito is to follow these prevention steps."

Personal Prevention Measures

• Avoid outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are likely to be biting
  
• If you must be outdoors when mosquitoes are active, cover up by wearing shoes, socks, long pants and long-sleeves. Light colors are less attractive to mosquitoes
  
• Use mosquito repellent containing DEET according to label directions. Adults should use repellent with no more than 30 percent DEET; for children, 10 percent or less

Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites

• Eliminate any standing water that collects on your property
  
• Remove all discarded tires from your property or put them under cover so they don't collect water
  
• Dispose of or empty tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers
  
• Make sure roof gutters drain properly, clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall
  
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. If not in use, keep empty and covered
  
• Drain water from pool covers
  
• Change the water in bird baths at least once a week
  
• Turn over plastic wading pools, and wheelbarrows, etc. when not in use
  
• Remind or help neighbors to eliminate breeding sites on their properties
  
• Keep windows and doors closed and make sure screens are in good repair

Dr. Richard Berry, chair of Ohio's WNV Workgroup and chief of ODH's Vector-borne Disease Program, said Ohio is one of 16 states and the District of Columbia to report human cases of WNV this year. Nationwide, 306 human cases have been reported as probable or confirmed in 2002. Fifteen deaths nationwide have been linked to WNV.

Here in Ohio, WNV has been found in 86 of Ohio's 88 counties. ODH has reported 790 dead birds and 31 live birds positive for WNV. Four-hundred-eighty-four mosquito pools have been found positive for WNV, along with 10 horses.

West Nile Virus Background

Primarily a wild-bird disease, WNV is a mosquito-borne virus which generally causes mild symptoms that mimic the flu in humans. In rare instances, however, WNV can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) in humans. This happens in less than 1 percent of people bitten by an infected mosquito. The very old, the very young and those with compromised immune systems are most susceptible to the serious complications related to the virus.

WNV was first detected in Ohio in August 2001 in a Lake County blue jay. By the end of summer, the virus had been detected in 54 blue jays and 226 crows around the state. "The virus probably remained in Ohio's mosquito population throughout the winter of 2001," Berry said.

The statewide West Nile Virus Workgroup, consisting of representatives from ODH, the Ohio departments of Natural Resources and Agriculture, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, and federal and local partners, has been working since 2000 to develop a statewide West Nile virus plan. As part of the planning, a statewide surveillance program was instituted that helped detect the disease and includes guidelines for mosquito control. Mosquito spraying is done on a local basis.

Prior to August 1999, West Nile virus had never been reported in the Western Hemisphere.

Outbreaks of the West Nile virus occurred in Egypt, Asia, Israel, South Africa, and in some parts of Europe and Australia. West Nile was first found in the United States in New York City in the fall of 1999. During that outbreak, 62 people, including 46 residents of New York City, became ill. Seven people died of West Nile virus-related infections during this initial outbreak.

West Nile virus is spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. When a mosquito bites a bird that carries the virus, the mosquito becomes infected. Once a mosquito is infected, it may transmit the virus to people or animals when it bites them. Many birds can be infected, but crows and blue jays are most likely to die from the disease. Horses are also prone to West Nile virus infection. There is a West Nile virus vaccine for horses, but not for people. People cannot get West Nile virus directly from another person.

Ohioans should call their local health department for more information or call the Ohio Department of Health-West Nile virus information line at 1-866-634-2968 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For this weekend only, the information line will be in operation until 8 p.m. tonight, and from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The Clermont County Health Department will take calls from at 513-732-7499, until 7 p.m. tonight and from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The CDC information line -- 1-888-246-2675 -- will be in operation from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Media contact: Ohio Department of Health, Office of Public Affairs (614) 644-8562

Websites for further information:

ODH - www.odh.state.oh.us search for West Nile;

ODH media website - www.odhpressroom.org

CDC - www.cdc.gov search for West Nile;

USGS - www.nwhc.usgs.gov