WEST NILE VIRUS

The finding of West Nile Virus in Southern Indiana, particularly in Monroe County has caused quite a bit of concern in many of our families.

Since its discovery in the Western Hemisphere in 1999, the virus has been found in 34 states and the District of Columbia. It is expected to eventually spread throughout the United States.

Less than 1% of people who are bitten and infected with the West Nile Virus will become seriously ill. The most serious complication of infection is encephalitis , an infection of the central nervous system. Symptoms of encephalitis include fever, severe headache, stiff neck, and changes in mental status (disorientation).

The chances that you or your child will become ill with West Nile virus are extremely small. Here are some facts about the West Nile virus:

  • Less than 1% of mosquitoes in any area where carrier mosquitoes have been found are actually infected with the West Nile virus.
  • Less than 1% of people who are bitten and infected with West Nile virus will become seriously ill.
  • West Nile virus is not transmitted from person to person.
  • Although anyone living in an area identified as having infected mosquitoes is at some risk for getting West Nile encephalitis, those at greatest risk are people older than 50.

There is no evidence to suggest that West Nile virus is transmitted by ticks, birds, or any other insect besides mosquitoes nor that it puts a woman's pregnancy at risk. It is possible for your pet to become infected, but your pet cannot transmit the virus to you.

If your child exhibits signs of West Nile virus, call us right away. We will determine your child's risk, and, if needed, order testing for the virus and prescribe supportive care. There is no specific treatment for the West Nile virus. Antibiotics will not work because a virus, not a bacteria, causes West Nile disease. There is not a vaccine available for the virus.

What can you do to protect yourself from West Nile virus?

The CDC recommends taking the following precautions:

  • Stay indoors at dawn, dusk, and in the early evening.
  • Use screens on doors and windows to keep mosquitoes from entering your home. You should also repair broken or damaged screens.
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are outdoors.
  • Spray clothing with repellents containing permethrin or DEET because mosquitoes can bite through thin clothing. For children, choose a repellent that contains no more than 10% DEET; in higher concentrations, the chemical, which is absorbed through the skin, can be toxic to children. Be sure to read and follow the directions on the label.
  • If you apply insect repellent to exposed skin, do so sparingly. Do not apply repellent to your child's hands, as it can cause irritation if he/she touches his/her eyes or mouth.
  • Don't rely on vitamin B or ultrasonic devices to prevent mosquito bites-neither has been proven effective. Be sure to eliminate mosquito-breeding areas around your home by removing standing water from gutters, old tires, birdbaths, wading pools, tarps, potted plants, and other outside buckets and pails.

For further information on this topic click here for the American Academy of Pediatrics West Nile Virus Information Center.