Download this transcript (20KB)

A CUP OF HEALTH WITH CDC
West Nile Virus: Still a Concern!
West Nile Virus Update - United States, January 1-July 24, 2007
August 17, 2007

[Announcer] This podcast is presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC
– safer, healthier people.

[Matthew Reynolds] Welcome to A Cup of Health with CDC, a weekly broadcast
of the MMWR, the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. I’m your host, Matthew
Reynolds.

Each summer brings picnics, barbeques, and, unfortunately, the possibility of
mosquito-born West Nile Virus. Today, I’m talking with Jennifer Lehman, an
epidemiologist with CDC who’s joining me by phone from CDC’s Fort Collins
facility in Colorado. She’s going to explain West Nile virus and how to avoid
infection. Welcome to the show, Jennifer.

[Jennifer Lehman] Thanks, Matthew. It’s good to be here.

[Matthew Reynolds] What is West Nile virus and how is it spread?

[Jennifer Lehman] Well, West Nile virus is an arbovirus that is spread from
mosquitoes. It has moved westward from 1999 to present and it’s now
considered endemic throughout the U.S., which means it’s pretty much here to
stay. All of our 48 mainland states have actually had human cases except for
Maine.

[Matthew Reynolds] What are the symptoms of a West Nile Virus infection?

[Jennifer Lehman] Well the symptoms depend on the severity of the case. So if
you have a severe case, otherwise know as West Nile encephalitis or meningitis,
the symptoms can include headache, a high fever, stiff neck, maybe you might
even be disoriented, you could go into a coma, have tremors, convulsions,
maybe even paralysis. Then you can have West Nile fever and it’s estimated that
about 20 percent of people who become infected with West Nile will develop
West Nile fever. Those symptoms include fever, headache, tiredness, maybe
some body aches, some people have reported a skin rash, and maybe even
swollen lymph glands. But most people who are infected with West Nile virus will
not develop any type of illness, but you can not know ahead of time if you are
going to get sick or not when you are infected, and these people are called
asymptomatic, which just means you don’t have any symptoms.

[Matthew Reynolds] For the people that do have symptoms, can those people
seek treatment? Can this disease be treated?

[Jennifer Lehman] You know, there isn’t really a specific treatment for West Nile
virus infection. In the more severe cases, sometimes they involve hospitalization,
IV fluids, maybe even being put on a ventilator, and even good nursing care.

[Matthew Reynolds] Well it sounds then that prevention is the best strategy for
West Nile virus.

[Jennifer Lehman] Correct.

[Matthew Reynolds] So what can people do to protect themselves?

[Jennifer Lehman] The most important thing to do is for people to avoid the
mosquito bites. You know, you can use an effective insect repellent, such as
some products that contain DEET or Picaridin, or even oil of lemon eucalyptus.
You know, you want to put this on when you go outdoors; you can wear long
pants or you can wear long sleeves for additional protection, but the mosquitoes
that spread West Nile virus are most likely to bite from dusk to dawn, so you
should be either using mosquito repellent then or limit your time outdoors during
those hours. You can empty any standing water around your home and you can
also support your community-based mosquito management program in your
area.

[Matthew Reynolds] So what should I do if I’m out hiking or at the family
barbeque, and I find a mosquito that’s attached to my arm? Should I be
concerned; should I see a doctor or wait for symptoms to develop and hope for
the best?

[Jennifer Lehman] Kill the mosquito first. But, usually it takes 2 to 15 days for
symptoms to occur, so I would wait for your symptoms to occur. I wouldn’t
necessarily go see a doctor, but if you or your family members develop
symptoms, such as a high fever, confusion or muscle weakness, or even severe
headaches, then you should see your doctor or health care provider immediately.

[Matthew Reynolds] A number of people are probably wondering too, is this a
disease that can affect my pets or if I own livestock, are they at risk too?

[Jennifer Lehman] Actually, unvaccinated horses are at risk, but other
household pets and livestock can become infected. We’ve actually had a very
small number of dogs and cats that have been reported to CDC that have had
West Nile. It’s mainly a cycle between birds and mosquitoes and actually, initially,
illness and fatality in horses was a big concern. But, now there’s a vaccine
available for your horses, so you should make sure you vaccinate your horses if
you have them.

[Matthew Reynolds] Any precautions that people should take for pets?

[Jennifer Lehman] You know, I would bring them in doors, especially if they’re
going to be spraying. Keep your windows closed, keep them in doors. But
otherwise, they’re pretty immune to getting the virus, so you should be OK just
doing what you normally do with your pets.

[Matthew Reynolds] Jennifer, thanks for taking the time to share this information
with our listeners today.

[Jennifer Lehman] No problem. It was great to be here.

[Matthew Reynolds] That’s it for this week’s show. Don’t forget to join us next
week. Until then, be well. This is Matthew Reynolds for A Cup of Health with
CDC.

[Announcer] To access the most accurate and relevant health information that affects you, your
family and your community, please visit www.cdc.gov.