Jun. 6--West Nile virus may have an early start in Oklahoma this year, according to the Muskogee County Health Department. A 55-year-old woman in Pittsburg County has been confirmed as being infected. WNV is transmitted through the bite of mosquitoes. Infection can cause severe and sometimes fatal illness.
Linda Hattaway, health department administrative director, said fall is the normal time for the first reported infection.
"Last year was our worst year for West Nile Virus; we had 107 cases (statewide)," she said. "We can't predict how bad it will be this year, but the fact that we've already had a reported case instead of in August indicates that people need to start taking precautions right now."
There were also eight deaths last year from the virus, a sharp rise from 2003, when there were 79 cases of WNV and no deaths.
Stopping mosquitos is relatively simple, Hattaway said.
"We know mosquitos breed in standing water," she said. "People need to walk around their house and look for buckets, cans and toys that may be collecting water. They should also check their bird baths and pet bowls. Rain gutters can get clogged and become a breeding place for mosquitos."
Another simple clue that the insects have taken up residence near where you live is whether they have zeroed in on you.
"We know that mosquitos don't fly very far, so if you're getting bit, that means they're breeding close by," Hattaway said.
Speaking of protection from the flying pests, there are also ways to avoid the bite and possible infection.
"This is also the time of year when people are opening up their doors and windows, so be sure those are all covered with screening," Hattaway said. "And don't go out at dusk or dawn; the mosquitos that carry West Nile Virus love the morning and evening. Use repellents that contain DEET."
Hattaway said insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus provide the best protection against mosquito bites. DEET repellents come under many brand labels such as Cutters, Deep Woods OFF!, Skintastic, Muskol, Repel, among others, and in many formulations and concentrations.
Generally, the longer you are outside, the higher concentration you should use. Products that contain 20 percent or greater concentrations of DEET may provide protection for four hours or longer.
Always read the label before selecting a repellent for use on small children. Only products containing less than 30 percent DEET are advised for children under 12 years old.
Recently, the ingredient IR3535 was also approved for mosquito protection. In the U.S., repellents containing IR3535 are available exclusively as Avon Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard Plus. This type of repellent and other products with lower concentrations of chemicals are ideal for use when planning to be outdoors for a short period of time.
Persons most at risk for WNV are those over the age of 50. Public health researchers have learned that persons who have received an organ transplant, or who are diabetic, are also at increased risk.
Many people who contract WNV develop life-changing complications after the initial course of disease. Long-lasting complications can include difficulty concentrating, migraine headaches, extreme muscle weakness and tremors, paralysis of a limb, and depression and mood swings. Some neurological effects may be permanent. There is no specific treatment for WNV infections and there is no vaccine available for people.
The city has already begun spraying for mosquitos, said Jason Green, foreman of Environmental Control.
"We have two seasons," he said. "Mid-April to mid-July, and mid-September to the end of November."
The spray truck is equipped with and ultra-low volume sprayer that covers a 300-foot swath at a rate of four ounces per minute. Green said the truck travels the city streets at 10 miles per hour, and goes out Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
The city has also begun treating mud holes and other wet areas where mosquitos breed.
Keep mosquitos at bay
To mosquito-proof your home and yard, follow these recommendations:
--Repair or install window and door screens.
--Don't leave doors open, including garage doors, so mosquitoes cannot enter the home.
--Drain standing water from buckets, cans, pool covers, flower pots and other items so mosquitoes don't have a place to breed.
--Throw away or cover up stored tires or other items that aren't being used.
--Clean pet water bowls and birdbaths often.
--Make sure rain gutters are not clogged.
Source: Muskogee County Health Department
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