As Many states are experiencing a very active year for West Nile virus (WNV), the Wyoming Department of Health is saying an adult male from Crook County is the state’s first reported human case for 2012.

Wyoming  Department of Health Spokeswoman Kim Deti says  while summer may be winding down, the season for West Nile virus is not yet over.

She says it remains important for people to protect themselves from mosquito bites.  Deti says The he “5 D’s” of WNV prevention include:

  • DAWN and DUSK - Most mosquito species prefer to feed at dawn or dusk, so avoid spending time outside during these times.
  • DRESS - Wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt outdoors or when mosquitoes are most active. Clothing should be light-colored and made of tightly woven materials.
  • DRAIN - Mosquitoes breed in shallow, stagnant water. Reduce the amount of standing water by draining and/or removing it.
  • Use an insect repellent containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide). When using DEET, be sure to read and follow the label instructions. Other insect repellents such as Picaridin (KBR 3023) or oil of lemon eucalyptus can also be effective.

 

The Wyoming Public Health Laboratory offers free WNV testing for healthcare providers with suspected cases in their patients.  Deti says most people infected with WNV never develop symptoms.  Among those who become ill, symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph nodes.  A very small percentage of infected persons develop West Nile neuroinvasive disease (i.e. meningitis or encephalitis) with symptoms such as severe headache, fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions and paralysis.

Three human WNV cases were reported in Wyoming last year. There were 6 human cases and no deaths in 2010; 12 human cases with 1 death in 2009; 10 human cases with no deaths in 2008; and 185 human cases with 2 deaths in 2007. The year of highest WNV activity in Wyoming was 2003 with 393 human cases and nine deaths.

 

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