Chicago on Alert for West Nile Virus
Mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus have been confirmed in Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Immediate precautions help preserve family health.
CHICAGO (PRWEB) July 25, 2005
The West Nile virus has been reported in 11 states already this summer, with one fatality in Missouri.
According to U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) spokesman Tom Skinner, 10 states reported cases of West Nile virus in 2004.
So far this year, 25 individual cases of human West Nile virus-related illness have been verified by the CDC via double confirmation testing.
In 2004, the CDC recorded a total of 2,539 human cases of virus-related illness including 100 deaths.
Although there have not been any reported human cases of West Nile virus related illness in Illinois so far this year, there have been confirmed West Nile virus infections in neighboring states including Indiana.
The virus is typically transmitted to humans by mosquitoes, and mosquitoes infected with the virus have been confirmed in Illinois this season.
“The number of mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus has increased dramatically in Cook County and surrounding counties in June and July,” advises Dr. Tom Sweder, a family health expert.
Data compiled by the U. S. Geological Survey shows 36 confirmed mosquito infections in Cook County so far this year.
As that the virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, late summer and early fall are considered peak periods.
“Remember, when the sun goes down, the mosquitoes come out,” advises Sweder. “If you are outdoors between dusk and dawn, avoid bites by wearing long sleeves and pants, and using mosquito repellent containing DEET on exposed skin.”
As the lead physician at Andersonville Family Medicine, Sweder is an authority on the differences in preventative medicine for children and adults.
“When applying mosquito repellent to a child, spray it on your own hands then rub it on the child. Avoid the child’s eyes, mouth, and hands,” advises Sweder.
Mike Szyska, director of the Northwest Mosquito Abatement District, states that the culex mosquitoes that carry the West Nile virus are a concern because of their ability to breed in hot, dry weather.
Szska states that ChicagoÂ’s recent temperatures mirror those of 2002 in which the first-ever West Nile virus outbreak was reported in Illinois. That outbreak resulted in 884 cases of West Nile virus that resulted in 67 deaths.
Under Chicago’s current temperatures Szska indicates that culex mosquitoes can go from eggs to adult biting mosquitoes in seven to 10 days – a relatively fast gestation period.
To combat any potential threat, the Northwest Mosquito Abatement District has crews armed with maps of potential culex mosquito breeding grounds. The crews use insect growth regulators and target areas of standing water such as retention ponds and storm water drains.
Not all people infected with West Nile virus become severely ill, only approximately one in 150. However for those who do become ill, the results can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, and paralysis.
Because children are more prone to extended outdoor activity during Summer months, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that Pediatricians be on the alert for symptoms but realistically notes that the population at the greatest risk of illness complications from West Nile virus infection are adults over the age of 50.
The official position of the CDC is that it is unknown if immunocompromised people are at any greater risk for contracting serious illness as a result of West Nile virus infection, however the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians endorse recommended immunization schedules as a means to help ensure general good health standards.
Illinois schools also require proof of immunization for all students each year. The general academic year resumes in August and September for most Cook county schools, meaning parents will need to have their up to date records.
To help parents track compliance with recommended and school mandated immunizations, as a public service Anderson Family Medicine provides a free Passport to Immunization
The interactive information guide, available free by calling (773) 878-4740, allows parents to track immunizations on each child, schedule upcoming inoculations, research diseases and immunization types, and track other vital safety and child health information. Call (773) 878-4740.
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