West Nile Virus in our Area

As Chief of Staff, I was notified yesterday by Dr. Tom Harris (Floyd County Health Officer) that there have been 2 mosquito pools turn positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) in our area.

Both sites were in the city, about 0.5 miles apart, probably representing the same source. (Hidden Ct. and Florence Dr.)

The areas are being sprayed and fliers are going out locally on control measures.

Some of the typical features of mild West Nile Virus with infections:

Most WNV infections are mild and often clinically unapparent. Approximately 20% of those infected develop a generally mild illness (West Nile fever). The incubation period is thought to range from 3 to 14 days and symptoms generally last 3 to 6 days.

Historically, reports from earlier outbreaks describe the mild form of WNV infection as a febrile illness of sudden onset often accompanied by malaise, headache, anorexia, myalgia, nausea, rash,
vomiting, lymphadenopathy, or eye pain.

The full clinical spectrum of West Nile fever has not been determined in the United States.

Severe Infection occur in approximately 1 in 150 infections and can result in severe neurological disease.

The most significant risk factor for developing severe neurological disease is advanced age.

Encephalitis is more commonly reported than meningitis and symptoms in severe disease can include fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, weakness, change in mental status, a rash involving the neck, trunk, arms, or legs.

Patients with severe disease can have severe muscle weakness and flaccid paralysis and may have other neurological problems including ataxia, extrapyramidal signs, optic neuritis, cranial nerve abnormalities, polyradiculitis, myelitis, or seizures.

The Health Dept. is reminding all primary care and other physicians to consider testing in appropriate cases.

Individuals with questions or concerns should contact the health department or their primary care doctor