Health Heads Up:
(Sept. 6, 2002) -- CA health officials announced today they are evaluating an L.A. County woman as a "probably case" of West Nile virus.
If the L.A. County case is confirmed, it would be the first reported case of the potentially fatal West Nile virus in CA. Typically spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito, the West Nile virus has claimed an increasing number of lives since arriving in NYC in 1999. It has since spread to 42 states and the District of Columbia.
In a written release, the CA Dept. of Health Services said the L.A. County woman "became ill on Aug. 10 and was hospitalized on Aug. 12. She was diagnosed with aseptic meningitis. Although she reports no mosquito bites, blood transfusions or organ transplants, or travel to areas where West Nile virus has been confirmed, laboratory tests indicate that she has been exposed to West Nile virus. However, tests of mosquitoes, chickens and dead birds have shown no evidence of the virus in California. Health officials continue to investigate the circumstances of this case."
The release indicated the L.A. County woman "has fully recovered and resumed her normal activities."
CA health officials say most individuals infected with West Nile virus have only mild symptoms such as fever, headache and body aches. However, the virus can cause severe symptoms in the elderly and individuals with lowered immune systems.
In a written release, CA Health Director (and former LB Health Services Director) Diana M. Bontá, R.N., Dr.P.H. said today, "We have been anticipating the arrival of West Nile virus in California as reports of the disease have progressed steadily westward across the United States. Although we have no other evidence that the virus has arrived, mosquito surveillance and control efforts are being increased."
Since 2000, CA and local public health authorities (see LB information, below) have been conducting an expanded surveillance program for West Nile virus, searching for evidence of infection in people, mosquitoes, birds and other animals.
LB's Health Officer, Dr. Darryl Sexton, told LBReport.com that LB conducts its own surveillance and monitoring (including doing blood tests on four flocks of chickens spread throughout the city and trapping, ID'ing and testing mosquitoes; details below).
Dr. Sexton also noted City Hall takes preventative measures including spraying and LB's Health Dept. maintains a telephone hotline for updated local information (details below).
CA health officials emphasized that the risk of an individual becoming ill from the bite of a mosquito infected with West Nile virus is very low; less than 1 percent of the bites from infected mosquitoes can cause severe disease. "However, the risk of disease is higher for individuals 50 years of age and older," the release said.
CA's Dept. of Health Services said individuals "can further reduce their risk of mosquito-borne diseases by taking these precautions:
The release notes that many species of birds get infected and die from West Nile virus, and Bontá asked the public to become part of the CA Dept. of Health Services' monitoring effort "by reporting any crows, ravens, magpies and jays that have been dead for less than 24 hours" using a toll-free line: 877-WNV-BIRD.
The CA Dept. of Health Services notes on its web site: "If you find a dead bird, particularly a crow or other corvid (e.g., jay, magpie, raven, etc.), please call the number above (877-WNV-BIRD) or report the bird on the CA Dept. of Health Services [DHS] web site www.dhs.ca.gov. Do not touch the bird. DHS will record all dead bird reports and will arrange for pickup and laboratory testing for West Nile virus when appropriate." The CA Dept. of Health Services web site includes the following information: Most people who are infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms whatsoever. However, of those who become ill, symptoms can include fever, headache, nausea, body aches, mild skin rash, or swollen lymph nodes. In a few cases, the disease will progress to encephalitis. The time between the bite and the onset of illness, known as the incubation period, ranges from 5-15 days in humans. It is estimated that 1 in 150 people who are infected with West Nile virus will require hospitalization. Of the 66 human cases of West Nile virus in the eastern half of the U.S. in 2001, nine died. The elderly are particularly susceptible to clinical illness caused by West Nile virus. There is no specific treatment for infection with West Nile virus, although supportive care is important. Wild birds are considered the reservoir of West Nile virus because they are the host from which the mosquito vector primarily acquires the virus. Infection has been reported in more than 70 bird species. Although many birds that are infected with West Nile virus will not appear ill, West Nile virus infection can cause serious illness and death in some birds. The most severe illnesses are seen among the corvid birds, which include crows, jays, ravens, magpies and related birds such as sparrows, finches, and blackbirds. American crows constitute the majority of the bird deaths due to West Nile virus reported in the eastern U.S. American crows are found throughout California. They have entirely black plumage, black beak, and black feet. Adult size is 17-21 inches from tip of tail to tip of beak. If you find a dead bird, particularly a crow or other corvid (e.g., jay, magpie, raven, etc.), please call the number below promptly, or report the bird on this web site. Do not touch the bird. DHS will record all dead bird reports and will arrange for pickup and laboratory testing for West Nile virus when appropriate. The CA Dept. of Health Services has also posted additional information about West Nile virus in CA on its web site: www.dhs.ca.gov". The information includes a West Nile Virus brochure (from CA Dept. of Health Services) and a link to a Question and answers (link to CDC). LB's Health Officer, Dr. Darryl Sexton, MD, told LBReport.com that his Dept. is aware of the recent developments and has been preparing for the possible arrival of West Nile virus by conducting surveillance, testing and monitoring for several years. Dr. Sexton said LB maintains a sentinel flocks of chickens in four parts of LB (east, north, southeast and west) which work like [our phrase] a miner's canary: since mosquitoes bite chickens, the chickens' blood is drawn on a regular basis and tested for West Nile virus (and other serious viruses including St. Louis encephalitis). This live surveillance has been taking place since the late 1980s. Dr. Sexton said there has been no detected West Nile virus in LB to date. In addition, Dr. Sexton noted that LB also traps and tests mosquitoes weekly in every Council district and has an entomologist who identifies the type of mosquito, its species and the like. To date, none of these have tested positive for West Nile virus. He said the City of LB also performs proactive vector control with mosquito spraying weekly...and will respond to residents' complaints. Dr. Sexton also said that on August 20, his department sent an alert to all LB physicians, providing information and directing them to report suspicious cases. He said that if a person has symptoms of meningitis, they should go to a hospital emergency room. Dr. Sexton said the "best protection is prevention" and includes wearing long clothing, using DEET as a mosquito repellant and getting rid of standing water. Dr. Sexton noted that LB participates in the CA dead bird surveillance program and can be reached locally at (562) 570-4132 (punch zero to get a live person; see further for after hours contacts). He said the caller will be asked to identify the type of bird (the most frequent carriers are crows and jays). Dr. Sexton said that on weekends and odd hours, callers should call CA DHS toll free at Like the CA DHS, Dr. Sexton does not advise touching the dead bird. Although West Nile virus is usually transmitted by mosquito, one could have small breaks in one's skin...so don't touch the dead bird. Use the phone numbers (562 570-4132 and 1-877-WNV-BIRD). Dr. Sexton also noted that LB maintains its own 24-hour information hotline which is updated as events warrant: (562) 570-4499. |