First Human Case of West Nile Virus

Health Department Announces this Year’s First Human Case of West Nile Virus

September 5, 2006

The Fairfax County Health Department announced today the state’s first human case of West Nile virus for 2006. The case involves a 61-year-old Fairfax City resident. The individual was hospitalized, has been released and is recovering at home. Laboratory samples were collected on August 26 and confirmed positive by the state’s Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services in Richmond on August 31.

“West Nile virus is a viral disease that is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito,” said Gloria Addo-Ayensu, M.D., M.P.H., health director. “The best way to protect against mosquito bites is to use an insect repellent and eliminate mosquito-breeding areas around your home.”

There were no human cases of West Nile virus reported last year in Fairfax County and only one in Virginia. Most people bitten by mosquitoes do not get sick, even if the mosquito is infected with West Nile virus. Most people who do get sick usually suffer a mild flu-like illness. However, people over the age of 50 are at greatest risk of serious illness, such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord).

The standing water resulting from recent rainfall may initiate the hatching of large numbers of mosquitoes in coming weeks, increasing the potential for human infection from mosquito-borne diseases. People who are working outdoors or do not have screens in their windows will be at increased risk of being bitten.

“We are finding more infected mosquitoes this year than we had last year,” said Jorge Arias, Ph.D., supervisor for the county’s Disease Carrying Insects Program.

Since May, the Health Department’s Environmental Health staff has taken a proactive approach to combating West Nile virus by treating more than 30,000 storm drains with an environmentally-friendly larvicide which inhibits mosquito breeding. More storm drain treatments are scheduled throughout the mosquito season, which typically runs from May until October. While these treatments will not eliminate all of the mosquitoes that carry the virus, the mosquito population may be reduced.

Reduce your family’s exposure to mosquitoes by following these simple precautions:

- Use insect repellent with the smallest percentage of DEET necessary for the length of time you are exposed to mosquitoes, but no more than 30 percent. Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus may also be used according to label instructions.
- Wear long, loose and light-colored clothing.
- If possible, stay indoors when mosquitoes are biting.
- Turn over or remove containers in your yard where water collects, such as old tires, potted plant trays, buckets and toys.
- Eliminate standing water on tarps or flat roofs.
- Clean out birdbaths and wading pools once a week.
- Clean roof gutters and downspout screens.
- For more information on West Nile virus and mosquito-borne diseases, visit Fairfax County’s “Fight the Bite” Web page or call the Health Department at 703-246-2300, TTY 703-591-6435.