UPDATE: Vanderburgh Co. Resident Dies of West Nile Virus
By: David Shepherd
Updated: August 15, 2012
VANDERBURGH COUNTY - Health officials are warning residents to take precautions after the state confirmed its first West Nile fatality of the year and it's in Vanderburgh County.
A spokesperson for Vanderburgh County Health Department confirms the fatality but could not confirm where in the county the death took place citing patient confidentiality.
The department is urging residents to take this seriously saying no where in Vanderburgh County should be considered 100 percent safe at this time.
One mother we spoke to says, "It's scary;" adding she plans to make sure her children are inside at peak mosquito times (from dusk to dawn) and will be sure to use an insect repellant containing DEET.
Health officials also advise people to avoid outdoor activity during those peak hours and wear long-sleeved, loose fitting shirts and pants when outdoors.
West Nile virus usually causes West Nile fever, a milder form of the illness, which can include fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph glands or a rash. Some individuals will develop a more severe form of the disease with encephalitis or meningitis and other severe syndromes, including flaccid muscle paralysis.
To reduce potential mosquito breeding grounds:
Discard old tires, tin cans, ceramic pots or other containers that can hold water;
Repair failed septic systems;
Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors;
Keep grass cut short and shrubbery trimmed;
Clean clogged roof gutters, particularly if leaves tend to plug up the drains;
Frequently replace the water in pet bowls;
Flush ornamental fountains and birdbaths periodically; and,
Aerate ornamental pools, or stock them with predatory fish.
There is no vaccine and no cure for West Nile virus, Saint Louis encephalitis or Eastern equine encephalitis for humans. Individuals who think they may have West Nile virus should see their healthcare provider.
For more information about mosquito safety, please visit the Indiana State Department of Health's website at www.StateHealth.IN.gov <http://www.statehealth.in.gov/> .
A spokesperson for Vanderburgh County Health Department confirms the fatality but could not confirm where in the county the death took place citing patient confidentiality.
The department is urging residents to take this seriously saying no where in Vanderburgh County should be considered 100 percent safe at this time.
One mother we spoke to says, "It's scary;" adding she plans to make sure her children are inside at peak mosquito times (from dusk to dawn) and will be sure to use an insect repellant containing DEET.
Health officials also advise people to avoid outdoor activity during those peak hours and wear long-sleeved, loose fitting shirts and pants when outdoors.
West Nile virus usually causes West Nile fever, a milder form of the illness, which can include fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph glands or a rash. Some individuals will develop a more severe form of the disease with encephalitis or meningitis and other severe syndromes, including flaccid muscle paralysis.
To reduce potential mosquito breeding grounds:
Discard old tires, tin cans, ceramic pots or other containers that can hold water;
Repair failed septic systems;
Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors;
Keep grass cut short and shrubbery trimmed;
Clean clogged roof gutters, particularly if leaves tend to plug up the drains;
Frequently replace the water in pet bowls;
Flush ornamental fountains and birdbaths periodically; and,
Aerate ornamental pools, or stock them with predatory fish.
There is no vaccine and no cure for West Nile virus, Saint Louis encephalitis or Eastern equine encephalitis for humans. Individuals who think they may have West Nile virus should see their healthcare provider.
For more information about mosquito safety, please visit the Indiana State Department of Health's website at www.StateHealth.IN.gov <http://www.statehealth.in.gov/> .
Comments
they could at least told the county
JAY W.
August 16, 2012 at 10:05 am
