Health officials nationwide are in general agreement that West Nile virus will be a major health issue again this year. Here are some story ideas and Michigan State University sources that can answer your questions about West Nile virus.
GETTING MOSQUITOES BEFORE THEY GET YOU
Mosquitoes spread West Nile virus. They become infected when they feed on an infected bird and then can pass that infection along to humans.
The numbers of mosquitoes buzzing around most parts of Michigan were actually down last year, mainly because of a continuing drought and lower snowfall levels. That obviously had little effect on West Nile. The disease killed more than 40 people and sickened hundreds in Michigan.
"The primary vectors of West Nile virus are Culex mosquitoes that tend to breed in enriched artificial habitats such as storm system catch basins, sewage lagoons and retention ponds," says MSU entomologist Michael Kaufman. "These may be less sensitive to rainfall inputs or more stable in low rainfall periods."
Richard Merritt, chairperson of MSU's Department of Entomology, says wearing insect repellant and protective clothing is a good start to protecting yourself from mosquitoes. He also recommends getting rid of the places in which mosquitoes hatch their eggs.
"Eliminate any standing water habits, such as wading pools, rain gutters, grass clippings in depressions that hold water, and so on," he says.
TESTING FOR AND TRACKING THE DISEASE
Over the past year, a laboratory at MSU has tested more than a thousand specimens -- including birds and horses -- for West Nile virus. In fact, it was at MSU's Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health that West Nile virus was first detected in Michigan two years ago.
"In many cases we are the first line of defense against not only West Nile virus, but other diseases that afflict both human and animal populations," says center director Willie Reed.
The center works closely with state and federal agencies, veterinarians and farmers, keeping tabs on a wide variety of diseases.
"For example," Reed says, "we've worked very closely with the state of Michigan to ensure chronic wasting disease has not spread to our state."
A new center is currently under construction on the MSU campus. For information, visit http://www.ahdl.msu.edu.
HORSE OWNERS: BE PREPARED
Humans, birds and horses seem especially susceptible to West Nile virus. Of those, only horses can be protected by a vaccine.
MSU veterinarians say now is the time for horse owners to have their animals vaccinated.
"If not previously vaccinated, the first dose should be given between now and the end of April," says Judy Marteniuk, an MSU large animal veterinarian. "A second dose should be given three to six weeks later. The horse is not fully protected until three to four weeks after the second vaccine."
If previously vaccinated, as recommended by the vaccine manufacturer, at least one booster vaccine needs to be administered in late spring.
"The company that manufactures the vaccine is recommending two doses again, one now and one before August," she says.
Marteniuk says it's especially important to have a strong immunity built up before mid-summer, when most cases of West Nile virus start to appear.
WEST NILE VIRUS AND HUMANS
Most people who are exposed to West Nile virus have few, if any, symptoms, says MSU University Physician Beth Alexander.
"Most people who become infected with West Nile virus will have either no symptoms or only mild ones," Alexander says. "It's also important to remember there is no evidence to suggest that West Nile virus can be directly spread from person to person or from animal to person."
It's estimated that about 20 percent of people who become infected will develop West Nile fever. Symptoms can include a fever, headache, body aches, an occasional skin rash and swollen lymph glands.
About one in 150 persons infected with the West Nile virus will develop a more severe form of the disease.
RSS