For immediate release
August 13, 2002

Protect yourself and your loved ones
from West Nile virus

Dear Editor,

While to date, Ohio has been fortunate not to have a human case of West Nile virus (WNV), other states, such as Arkansas, Indiana, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas, have not been so lucky. Seven people in Louisiana have died this summer of complications from the virus, while Indiana, Illinois and Arkansas each reported their first human cases in the last two weeks. With the virus detected in 80 of Ohio's 88 counties, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) suspects Ohio will likely record its first human case of WNV this summer as well. We are also aware that citizens can take several simple steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from this sometimes-fatal disease. These steps are outlined in the following news release, which we hope you will run as a public service to your readers. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

J. Nick Baird, M.D.

Director, the Ohio Department of Health

Aug. 13, 2002 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Columbus -- (ODH) asks all Ohioans to take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from this mosquito-borne illness.

"Ohioans should remember West Nile virus is spread to humans only by mosquitoes - not by contact with an infected person - and fewer than 1 percent of mosquitoes are infected, even in areas where the virus has been detected," said ODH Director J. Nick Baird, M.D. "Only about one in 150 people bitten by an infected mosquito will become severely ill."

WNV has killed seven people in Louisiana this summer and the states of Indiana, Illinois, Arkansas, Texas and Mississippi have also reported human cases. In Ohio, WNV has been detected in over 465 dead birds and more than 200 mosquito pools in 80 counties. It is likely only a matter of time before Ohio records its first human case of WNV, Baird said.

"Because WNV is entrenched in Ohio, ODH urges Ohioans to take some simple steps to help protect themselves and their loved ones from mosquito bites," Baird said. "By following this advice, we can minimize West Nile's impact on Ohio's health."

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 mosquito breeding sites on their properties
• Keep windows and doors closed and make sure screens are in good repair

Background information: 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. Those over age 50 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 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 helps 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 who has the disease.

For more information, contact your local health department, check the following Websites or contact the ODH information line at 1-866-634-2968.

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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;

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

USGS - www.nwhc.usgs.gov

Contact: The Ohio Department of Health, Office of Public Affairs (614) 644-8562.