West Nile Virus Strikes Covina CA

Yesterday, my grandson came home from school and reported that he and several other students saw a dead bird on the school's campus. Later in the day, a phone message was sent out, to all parents and guardians, from the principle's office. The bird was tested and found to be infected with the West Nile Virus.

West Nile Virus is spread to people and animals, such as horses, by certain species of mosquitoes. Certain species of mosquitoes become infected when they bite an infected bird. West Nile Virus multiplies in wild birds. Crows and jays are especially the main reservoir of West Nile Virus.

Infected mosquitoes spread the virus to people and horses. When a mosquito bites an infected bird; the virus enters the mosquito's bloodstream. It circulates for days before settling in the salivary glands. When the infected mosquito bites a human or animal; the virus enters the blood stream of the person or animal. However, the virus cannot be spread through casual contact from person to person or from animal to person.

People usually have a complete recovery from the virus infection. Older people and children can face permanent illness; which includes seizures, brain damage, paralysis, tremors, balance problems, and memory loss. People infected with the West Nile Virus may have no symptoms or very mild symptoms. Mild to moderate symptoms may cause headaches, occasionally skin rash, swollen lymph nodes, body aches, fever and tiredness. These symptoms usually occur 3 to 14 days after the infection enters the body. No treatment is needed for mild to moderate symptoms.

In rare cases West Nile Virus can cause death; or lead to inflammation of the brain, spinal cord, or the tissues surrounding the brain and the spinal cord. Inflammation of the brain is called encephalitis; inflammation of the spinal cord is called myelitis; inflammation surrounding the tissues of the brain and spinal cord is called meningitis. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test maybe done to identify encephalitis.

Older people stand the greatest risk of developing complications from the West Nile Virus infections. People between 50 and 59 years old are 10 times more likely to get infected than a much younger person. People 80 and older are 43 more likely to become infected. People over 70 years old are at a greater risk of death from the virus infection.

Very few people who are bitten by infected mosquitoes will become severely ill. About 80% of people infected by the virus have no symptoms.

There's no specific treatment for the west Nile Virus infection in humans. Intravenous fluids (IV) are used in hospitals to help with breathing and to prevent pneumonia. The hospital can mostly give supportive care, such as IV, to help fight the virus on its own. A vaccine is available for horses.

If you are in an area where West Nile Virus has been identified or around mosquitoes; you can help reduce the risk of West Nile Virus infection; by using insect repellent with Deet (20% to 45% is most effective). Wear long sleeved shirts/tops. Wear long pants or longer skirts. Avoid shorts and short pants. Do not leave standing water lying around; water is a breeding place for mosquitoes.

West Nile Virus usually occurs during warm or hot weather; this is when mosquito populations are very high.

In rare cases; West Nile Virus can be spread through organ transplantation and blood transfusion from infected donors. Blood donor screening for the virus instituted in 2003. Donated organs are not yet screened for the virus.

In 2002 there was a rare case where the virus was transmitted to an unborn baby by an infected mother. The baby had severe damage to portions of the brain and retinal problems.

Mothers have transmitted the viruses to babies while breast feeding. Such cases are extremely rare, said the experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.