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West Nile Virus

August 31, 2007

For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Communication Office

Vermont Department of Health

802-863-7281

BURLINGTON


Crow Tests Positive for West Nile Virus in Brattleboro

The Vermont Department of Health announced today that a crow discovered in Brattleboro has tested positive for West Nile virus. The bird, the first confirmed case of the virus in the state this year, was collected on Aug. 13 and tested positive for the virus on Aug. 29.

A total of nine birds tested positive for the virus last summer, the first on Aug. 18, 2006.

No human cases of West Nile Virus have been reported in Vermont since 2003. The Health Department has received 278 dead bird reports this season.

"This is the seventh year of our surveillance program and a good time to remind people that West Nile Virus reaches its peak late in the summer when the virus has had time to develop in the mosquito population," said Health Department Epidemiologist Patsy Tassler. "Before a long holiday weekend, it's a good reminder for Vermonters to take precautions and avoid exposure to mosquitos especially at dusk and dawn when they are most active."

West Nile virus surveillance in Vermont is jointly coordinated by the Agency of Agriculture and the Vermont Department of Health. The state tests dead birds, traps and tests mosquitoes, and tests people and horses that have symptoms consistent with the virus.

The Health Department also recommends that people wear long sleeves and pants and use an insect repellent - carefully following the manufacturer's instructions. Never use insect repellents that contain DEET on infants.

Vermonters should also drain areas where water can collect, such as old tires, rain gutters, bird baths, and any other containers that can hold water.

Vermonters are urged to report dead birds by calling 1-800-913-1139 or their local Health Department office (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. weekdays). Department staff will collect and test some of the birds for its West Nile virus surveillance efforts.

More information about West Nile virus can be found at the Vermont Department of Health website healthvermont.gov.

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August 2, 2007

PRESS RELEASE CONTACT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NH Department of Health and Human Services

129 Pleasant Street

State Office Park South

Concord, NH 03301

Public Information Office

603-271-6526

DHHS Identifies First Positive Test for EEE This Year in Mosquito Pool Found in Newton Concord, NH

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) today announced the first positive test for eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) this year. A mosquito pool from the town of Newton, in Rockingham County, tested positive for the disease. This is the first indication of EEE in New Hampshire this year, after the disease was identified in 2004 and 2005 and 2006. In 2005, there were seven human cases of EEE, including two deaths. Last year there were no human cases.

"This is not unexpected but this first positive test for EEE means everyone should make sure to engage in prevention activities," said John Stephen, DHHS Commissioner. "While we should all enjoy the beautiful weather, we cannot let our guard down. While we are working with many communities who are engaged in mosquito control activities, the best way to protect your family and yourself is take simple prevention steps. We urge everybody to use effective insect repellant and wear long sleeves and pants while outside at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. With the heavy rains this spring and early summer, it is also important that people remove any standing water on their property."

DHHS has a toll-free hotline for EEE/West Nile virus at 1-866-273-6453. Anyone with questions can call from 8 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, for information about these diseases. As of July 28, the State Public Health Lab has tested 4,275 mosquito pools, 1 horse, 16 birds and 63 humans across the State for EEE and West Nile virus. DHHS is working with medical providers and local health officials to ensure the public's health through surveillance for these disease and proactive prevention and control strategies. Considerable resources about EEE and West Nile virus are available on the DHHS website at www.dhhs.nh.gov.

"We have maintained a high level of surveillance this year and with this positive test result we will enhance local efforts through State-sponsored mosquito trapping in the area surrounding Newton," said Stephen. "People should continue to enjoy the outdoors this summer but continue to be vigilant with prevention measures such as wearing mosquito repellant."

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Prevention Guidelines for West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis

NH Department of Health and Human Services,

Division of Public Health Services

1. Eliminate standing water and other mosquito breeding locations. In warm weather, mosquitoes can breed in any puddle that lasts more than 4 days! Remove old tires from your property. Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or other containers. Don't overlook containers that have become overgrown by aquatic vegetation. Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outside. Make sure roof gutters are clean and draining properly. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools and hot tubs. If not in use, keep empty and covered and keep covers free of standing water. Aerate garden ponds or stock them with fish. Turn over wheelbarrows and change water in birdbaths at least twice weekly. Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use. Remind or help neighbors to eliminate breeding sites on their properties.

2. Be aware of where mosquitoes live and breed and keep them from entering your home. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Weeds, tall grass, and bushes provide an outdoor home for adult mosquitoes, including several species commonly associated with West Nile virus and eastern equine encephalitis. Mosquitoes can enter homes through unscreened windows or doors, or broken screens. Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace all screens in your home that have tears or holes. Resting mosquitoes can often be flushed from indoor resting sites by using sweeping motions under beds, behind bedside tables etc. and once in flight, exterminated prior to sleeping at night.

3. Protect yourself from mosquito bites. If outside during evening, nighttime, and dawn hours when mosquitoes are most active and likely to bite, children and adults should wear protective clothing such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks. Consider the use of an effective insect repellent, such as one containing DEET. A repellent containing 30% or less DEET (N,N-diethyl-methyl-meta-toluamide) for children and adults. Use DEET according to the manufacturer's directions. Children should not apply DEET to themselves. Repellents that contain Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus have also been determined to be effective. Vitamin B, ultrasonic devices, incense, and bug zappers have not been shown to be effective in preventing mosquito bites.

For more information on West Nile Virus or eastern equine encephalitis, call the NH Department of Health and Human Services toll-free West Nile Virus Information Line at 866-273-NILE (6543), or visit the West Nile Virus Website at www.dhhs.nh.gov.

 

 

Three Dead Crows Test Positive For West Nile virus in Chittenden County

For Immediate Release: September 8, 2006

Media Contact: Communication Office

Vermont Department of Health

802-863-7281

BURLINGTON - The Vermont Department of Health announced today that three dead crows discovered in Chittenden County (Jericho, Essex Junction and Burlington) have tested positive for the West Nile virus. A total of five birds, all crows, have tested positive for the virus this summer. There have been no human cases of West Nile virus in the past two years and no human cases reported in 2006. Vermont's first human case of West Nile virus was reported in 2002. Only four of the 888 birds collected in 2005 tested positive for West Nile virus. "Once again we want to remind Vermonters that the West Nile virus season peaks in late summer and runs through October," said Patsy Tassler, an epidemiologist with the Vermont Department of Health. "There is a risk of West Nile virus as long as mosquitoes are active." The Health Department tests crows, robins, jays, ravens, osprey, hawks, owls, falcons, vultures, and eagles for West Nile virus. These bird species are the most important for indicating the presence of West Nile virus in Vermont.

Monitoring and testing dead birds for the virus helps to prevent human cases by identifying local areas of inceased virus activity. The Department of Health is urging Vermonters to:

* Wear long sleeves and pants and avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are active.

* Reduce mosquito breeding habitats by getting rid of standing water by draining areas where water can pool such as rain gutters, wading pools and any other water-holding containers such as old tires.

* Use repellents containing no more than 30 percent DEET on adults and no more than 10 percent on children age 3 and older.

* Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.

For more information on West Nile virus, and photos of birds that may be tested, visit the Vermont Department of Health website: healthvermont.gov.

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West Nile Virus Discovered in Crow in Milton

Second confirmed case in a bird in Vermont this year

For Immediate Release: September 1, 2006

Media Contact: Communication Office

Vermont Department of Health

802-863-7281

BURLINGTON - The Vermont Department of Health announced that a dead crow discovered in Milton tested positive for the West Nile virus today. The bird is the second confirmed with the virus in the state this year. There have been no confirmed human cases of West Nile virus in Vermont for the past two years, and no human cases in 2006. Crows are common carriers of the virus.

A crow discovered in Middlebury tested positive for West Nile virus on Aug. 18. West Nile Virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.

"We are in the midst of peak season for West Nile virus and as we enter into the long, holiday weekend it is important that people try to limit their outdoor time at dusk and dawn and take proper precautions to avoid mosquitos," said Susan Schoenfeld, an epidemiologist with the Vermont Department of Health.

The Health Department also recommends that people wear long sleeves and pants when possible and use an insect repellent - carefully following the manufacturer's instructions. Never use insect repellents that contain DEET on infants. Vermonters should also drain areas where water can collect, such as old tires, rain gutters, bird baths, and any other containers that can hold water. West Nile virus surveillance in Vermont involves testing dead birds, mosquitoes, and people and horses that have symptoms consistent with the virus.

More information about West Nile virus can be found at the Vermont Department of Health website healthvermont.gov.

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West Nile Virus

For Immediate Release: August 21, 2006

West Nile Virus Discovered in Crow in Middlebury

Media Contact: Communication Office

Vermont Department of Health

802-863-7281

BURLINGTON - The Vermont Department of Health announced today that a crow discovered in Middlebury has tested positive for the West Nile virus. The bird, the first confirmed case of the virus in the state this year, was found on Aug. 7 and tested positive for the virus on Aug. 18.

Crows are common carriers of the virus, which is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. There have been no confirmed human cases of West Nile virus in Vermont. Vermont's first human case was documented in 2002, three cases were reported in 2003 and no human cases have been reported in the past two years.

West Nile virus surveillance in Vermont is jointly coordinated by the Agency of Agriculture and the Vermont Department of Health. The state tests dead birds, traps and tests mosquitoes, and tests people and horses that have symptoms consistent with the virus. "Our surveillance program, now in its sixth year, allows us to track the activity of the virus," said Health Department Epidemiologist Patsy Tassler. "Late summer is when the risk of human cases is highest, because mosquitoes have had all spring and summer to pick up the virus."

The Health Department recommends that people limit their outdoor time at dawn and dusk, wear long sleeves and pants when possible, and use an insect repellent - carefully following the manufacturer's instructions. Never use insect repellents that contain DEET on infants. Vermonters should also drain areas where water can collect, such as old tires, rain gutters, bird baths, and any other containers that can hold water.

Vermonters are urged to report dead birds by calling 1-800-913-1139 or their local district health office (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. weekdays). Department staff will collect and test some of the birds for its West Nile virus surveillance efforts. More information about West Nile virus can be found at the Vermont Department of Health website healthvermont.gov.

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BURLINGTON, VT – West Nile Virus Spring 2005

Dead birds can be an indication that mosquitoes in a particular geographic region in the state carry West Nile virus. In 2004, 1751 dead birds were reported, 827 were tested and 116 birds tested positive for West Nile virus.

People, birds and horses can become infected with West Nile from the bite of an infected mosquito. In 2003, three people and four horses in Vermont tested positive for the virus.

There is a safe, effective vaccine for horses. Horse owners should contact their veterinarian to get their horses vaccinated.

While most people who are infected do not have any symptoms, it is worth guarding against West Nile because the illness can be severe, especially in older people.

Approximately 20 percent of people who are infected have mild symptoms that can include fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph glands. More severe cases can cause headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, paralysis and sometimes death.

In addition to monitoring the dead bird population, the Department of Health and the Agency of Agriculture are working together to trap mosquitoes to test them for the virus.

Steps You Can Take To Avoid West Nile Virus

  • Wear long sleeved shirts and long pants whenever possible outdoors.
  • Limit the amount of time you spend outdoors at dawn and dusk since that is when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Use insect repellant that contains up to 30 percent DEET for adults and up to 10 percent DEET for children and apply sparingly. Be sure to follow the product directions. DEET can be harmful if used in large amounts or used incorrectly. Never use DEET on infants.
  • Regularly empty any outdoor containers that hold standing water including wading pools, trash cans, tires and empty flower pots. Turn them over or cover them when they are not being used.
  • Clean leaves and other debris out of clogged gutters.
  • Repair holes in screens and make sure they fit tightly to the window or door frame.

More information about West Nile virus, national and Vermont statistics, and others ways to protect yourself can be found on the Vermont Department of Health website: www.HealthyVermonters.com .

West Nile Virus and Horses

West Nile affects horses much more often than any other domestic animals. Many horses infected with West Nile do not develop any illness, but of horses that become ill about one-third die or need to be euthanized. Other livestock and poultry do not commonly show any illness if infected with West Nile.

As of Sept. 5, 2002 there have been more than 2300 equine cases of West Nile virus reported in the United States and more than 300 were reported from Minnesota.

Q. How do horses become infected with West Nile virus?
A. The same way humans become infected—by the bite of infectious mosquitoes. The mosquitoes become infected after feeding on an infected bird. Mosquitoes cannot get West Nile virus from an infected horse.

Q. Has West Nile virus caused severe illness or death in horses?
A. Following transmission by an infected mosquito, West Nile virus, may cause a mild transient self resolving fever or it may infect the brain causing inflammation or “encephalitis”. The vast majority of horses that are bitten by infected mosquitoes do not become ill, but those that develop severe encephalitis often die.

Q. Can I get infected with West Nile virus by caring for an infected horse?
A. West Nile virus is transmitted by infectious mosquitoes. The infected horse is not contagious to humans or to other horses. Normal infection control precautions should be followed when caring for a sick horse.

Q. Can a horse infected with West Nile virus infect horses in neighboring stalls?
A. No. There is no documented evidence that West Nile virus is transmitted between horses.

Q. My horse is vaccinated against Eastern Equine encephalitis, Western Equine encephalitis and Venezuelan Equine encephalitis. Will these vaccines protect my horse against West Nile virus infection?
A. No. These three viruses belong to another family of viruses for which there is no cross-protection.

Q. Can I vaccinate my horse against West Nile virus infection?
A. A conditionally licensed West Nile virus vaccine for horses is available. Contact your large animal veterinarian for more information.

Q. What is the treatment for a horse infected with West Nile virus? Should it be destroyed?
A. There is no reason to destroy a horse just because it has been infected with West Nile virus. Data suggest that most horses recover from the infection. Supportive care and time are all that most horses need to fully recover.

Q. How can I help protect myself and my family from West Nile Virus?
A. Horse owners should make sure that empty buckets and water troughs are not breeding sites for mosquitoes. Turn over buckets when they are not in use, and clean the water trough regularly. Make sure that faucets are turned off and do not drip.

The best way to protect you from West Nile virus, or any other mosquito-borne illness, is to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and neighborhood and to take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites. These are some of the preventative steps that you can easily take:

  • Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes can breed. Check for items outside the home that collect water, such as cans, bottles, jars, buckets, old tires, drums and other containers.
  • Change water in flower vases, birdbaths, planters and animal watering pans at least twice a week.
  • Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets, and move air conditioner drain hoses frequently.
  • Avoid being bitten by mosquitoes when going outside at night by using insect repellent. Wear lightweight clothing that covers the arms and legs.

Q. Where can I get more information on horses and West Nile virus?
A. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Web site at www.aphis.usda.gov/oa/wnv/.

Recent media reports have prompted many questions regarding West Nile virus (WNV) infection in species other than birds, horses, and humans. As an "emerging disease" in the United States, WNV has clinical and health effects on various animal species and populations that have yet to be described or fully reported. The following information is offered on the current knowledge of WNV infection in other species.

It is currently believed that any type of bird or mammal may be susceptible to WNV infection, but very few species appear to develop clinical illness due to infection. Since entering North America in 1999, WNV has been reported in thousands of birds, horses, and humans (over 2768 people and 146 deaths, as of Wed 9 Oct 2002). Before this year, WNV infection had been reported in several bat species, chipmunks, gray squirrels, striped skunks, a rabbit, and 3 cats. Laboratory trials had indicated that cats would become viremic and ill, but that dogs were relatively resistant to infection with WNV.

Serosurveys in New York following the 1999 outbreak revealed that 8-11 percent of dogs had antibody titers to WNV, but had not become ill. As WNV has moved across the country this summer, infection and illness have now been reported in a domestic sheep, a mountain goat, a dog, a 7-month-old wolf pup, a llama, and an alpaca. Serologically positive black bears and white-tailed deer have also been detected, but these animals did not develop clinical illness.

Some of the animals that became ill had another underlying health condition and/or a compromised immune system predisposing them to development of clinical disease. For instance, the one 8-year-old dog in Illinois was immune-compromised. From what is currently known, WNV does not appear to pose a significant health risk for species other than birds, horses, and humans. The extremely small number of cases in other species, the active surveillance conducted for the last 4 years, and reports from 42 states that have detected WNV suggest that most of these species are extremely resistant to developing clinical illness from infection. There is also no current evidence that any of these species are capable of serving as a reservoir for the virus.

It is likely more cases in other hosts will be found as WNV enters and becomes established in new areas. As additional information becomes
available, the relative health significance of WNV infection in these populations will become more clearly established.

Suggestions for protecting animals from the deadly West Nile Virus

The USDA is recommending that animal owners take several precautions to protect their animals from the West Nile virus. The following recommendations are based on current knowledge about the virus and the 1999 US outbreak.

Mosquito breeding sites:

Remove all potential sources of stagnant water where mosquitoes might breed.

Precautionary steps include the following:

  • Dispose of any water containers, including discarded tires.
  • Drill holes in the bottom of containers that are left outdoors
  • Clean clogged roof gutters annually.
  • Turn over plastic wading pools or wheelbarrows when not in use, and do not allow water to stagnate in birdbaths.
  • Ventilate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.
  • Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not in use.
  • Thoroughly clean livestock troughs monthly.

Insect repellents:
Use of insect repellents may be of some value in decreasing exposure of horses to adult mosquitoes. Repellents alone should not be relied on, however, to prevent mosquito exposure.

Screened housing:
Housing animals in structures with well-maintained insect screening can reduce exposure to adult mosquitoes. Be sure to eliminate mosquitoes from inside the structure first through the use of mosquito adulticides and fans.

Outdoor exposure:
The mosquitoes responsible for the transmission of the West Nile virus to horses and other mammalian species generally feed at dawn, dusk, and during the night. The USDA recommends caution when exposing animals to areas inhabited by mosquitoes during these times.

USDA's actions to protect agriculture:
The USDA-APHIS Veterinary Services has developed a diagnostic test for the West Nile virus and is on the lookout for virus activity along the Atlantic seaboard. The program surveillance investigates horses showing clinical signs of encephalitis, when other common causes such as rabies can be ruled out. APHIS' Wildlife Services program carries out wild bird specimen collection, initially focusing on East Coast states from Connecticut to Florida, for West Nile virus testing.

As of June 8, 2004, two states had reported a total of seven human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) illness to CDC through ArboNET. Six cases were reported from Arizona and one case from New Mexico (see figure in attachment). Four (57%) of the cases occurred in males; the median age of patients was 53 years (range: 22- 69 years), and the dates of onset of illness ranged from May 9 to June 1.

In addition, during 2004, a total of 334 dead corvids and 55 other dead birds with WNV infection have been reported from 16 states, and seven WNV infections in horses have been reported from three states (Alabama, Arizona, and Texas). WNV seroconversions have been reported in 64 sentinel chicken flocks from four states (Arizona, California, Florida, and Louisiana), and 58 WNV-positive mosquito pools have been reported from six states (Arizona, California, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania).