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August 6, 2004
Nye officials brace for West Nile virus outbreakCLARK COUNTY MAN MIGHT HAVE CAUGHT VIRUS NEAR BEATTY WHERE MOSQUITO PROBLEM GRAVE
By HEIDI J. BERTOLINO A case in Clark County had led officials to believe the virus was contracted in Clark County or Nye County near Ledbetter Canyon where the gentleman had been camping approximately three weeks ago. Friday's report showed that one batch of two batches captured in Ledbetter did test positive for the virus. Also near the gentleman's house in Northern Clark County mosquitoes tested positive. It is the Clark county opinion that the man contracted West Nile in Clark County. Fortunately West Nile Virus rarely presents serious symptoms in healthy humans and is primarily harmful to birds, horses and the elderly or infirm. West Nile is spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. A mosquito becomes infected by biting a bird that carries the virus. It is not possible to spread West Nile by touching or being around an infected person. The majority of the board felt that although no cases had been reported, the county needed to be proactive in dealing with the issue, as it would eventually reach Nye County. The board discussed mosquito abatement contracts, and the need to ask the public to voluntarily help prevent the spread of the disease. The commissioners were expected to have more information regarding the disease, possible cultures from affected locations and future plans or contracts at Tuesday's commissioners meeting, where they planned to address the subject as an emergency item. Funding was approved on Thursday to begin mosquito abatement countywide up to $100,000 with priorities in Beatty and Amargosa Valley and Ash Meadows. Public parks were also identified as in need of abatement. The cost of abatement will directly correspond to the necessary acres that need attended. According to the sheriff no standing water was reported in Tonopah. County health officer Maureen Budahl is working with Nye County Sheriff officer Mike Dolfin to map the northern Nye wetlands and parks and identify areas where mosquitoes might breed. The Beatty area is experiencing a severe mosquito outbreak and teams are being sent this week to assess and trap mosquitoes in that area before the county begins clean up of the Amargosa River in Beatty as part of abatement. In last year's outbreak of the West Nile virus, in other states, most people who were infected had no symptoms or experienced mild illness with fever, headache and body aches before fully recovering. The Clark County man who was the first to contract the disease in the state last week is already recovering. In some places people who contracted the disease developed a mild rash or swollen lymph glands. In some individuals, particularly the elderly, West Nile virus can cause serious disease that affects brain tissue. At its most serious, it can cause permanent neurological damage and can be fatal. Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) symptoms include the rapid onset of severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, confusion, loss of consciousness (coma) and muscle weakness. Death may occur in some instances. The disease is much more deadly to horses than humans and it has been suggested by the county that residents vaccinate their horses against the possibility of infection. West Nile is completely preventable by vaccination to the equine population. Also, the county asks that if a dead bird is found (ravens, crows, blue jays, raptors, eagles hawks or magpies) to leave the bird where it is and contact the state agriculture office at (775) 688-1180 ext. 231. The medical community within Nye County has been notified of the proper reporting procedures for possible West Nile cases in humans. Prevention is the best solution to combating the spread of West Nile to humans. The county and other sources claim that to prevent exposure people need to stay away from standing pools of water, especially during dawn and dusk. If going outdoors in mosquito habitat wear long sleeved shirts and pants, and use insect spray with the ingredient DEET. The county asks private property owners and businesses to voluntarily drain any standing water that might exist. Free flowing water is not usually primary mosquito hatching habitat. |
