FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 6, 2007

Probable West Nile virus case identified in Kansas City resident

Health officials at the City of Kansas City, Mo., Health Department report that a probable case of West Nile virus has been identified in a woman in the city. If confirmed, this will be the first human case of West Nile virus reported in Kansas City this year.

The Health Department reminds everyone that West Nile virus is something we will most likely deal with every year. West Nile virus is primarily found in birds, but it can sometimes infect people. The disease is spread through mosquitoes. An infected mosquito may pass the virus on to a human when it bites or feeds off a human host.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 1,500 people in the United States were infected with West Nile virus and came down with the neuroinvasive form of the disease in 2006. Of those infected, 177 died. The neuroinvasive form’s symptoms include paralysis, meningitis and encephalitis. Thousands more had West Nile fever, the less serious form of the disease.

Most human infections are mild. Symptoms usually appear three to 15 days after infection and include fever, headache, body aches, occasional skin rash and swollen lymph glands. More severe infection may be marked by headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, paralysis and, rarely, death.

"What makes these illnesses and deaths even more distressing is that West Nile virus infection is preventable," said Dr. Rex Archer, director of the Health Department. "Everyone should take precautions to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes because you don't want to run the risk that you will be debilitated or die from it."

The Health Department urges the following actions be taken to reduce exposure to West Nile virus:

-- Get rid of all standing water. This includes removing tires, buckets and other objects that hold water. Change water and clean birdbaths and animal troughs at least every week. Empty child wading pools and clean garden ponds. Cover rain barrels.

-- Prevent water from accumulating in pool covers. Unclog gutters and down spouts and repair leaky faucets.

-- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Consider using an insect repellent. The CDC recommends repellents containing the chemical N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, also known as DEET, which is known to be very effective for use with children and adults. It is important to read the label and follow the instructions on the label carefully. Long-lasting and effective alternatives to products containing DEET are available. Insect repellents containing Picardin may be a good choice for some individuals.

-- Make sure screens fit tightly over doors and windows, and they are in a good state of repair.

For more information on West Nile virus, please contact your local health department.

Media inquiries about this issue should be directed to Jeff Hershberger, Health Department, (816) 840-2548 (pager).