West Nile Virus hits close to home
The reports of West Nile Virus found in birds in neighboring Coffee County as well as other Tennessee counties this year has some in Warren County responding with caution.
Warren County Health Department Supervising Nurse Gerane Todd said locals have become more aware of the threat of the virus since May and June, with some bringing in potentially infected birds for inspection.
The virus, spread to humans by mosquitoes, can have potentially deadly effects such as encephalitis or meningitis in rare circumstances.
According to the state Department of Health, West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can infect people. The principle carriers of the virus are wild birds. Humans cannot be infected with the virus from birds, but by mosquitoes. The mosquitoes acquire the virus by biting an infected bird. The virus cannot be spread from person to person.
Todd said she did not know how many birds were brought in for testing, but so far, no birds from Warren County have come back positive.
“We heard we had a case here, but not to my knowledge,” she said.
In a late-June briefing, health departments were advised of the cases of birds who tested positive for the virus in Coffee and Robertson counties. A total of eight of 125 birds tested state-wide have been positive, the memo stated.
Todd said the best defense against any threat of the virus is to protect yourself from mosquito bites and said the insect repellents with DEET are proving to be the best.
Within city limits, public works officials reported they began spraying for mosquitoes after the spray truck was repaired a few weeks ago and noted spraying is an annual summer ritual.
The state advises self-protection from mosquito bites by limiting outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, wearing protective clothing when mosquitoes are prevalent and also using a DEET repellent.
Other protection measures around the home include disposing of or regularly emptying water containers and removing standing water, drilling holes in the bottom of recycling containers, maintaining gutters, keeping swimming pools clean and chlorinated, repairing holes in screens and reminding neighbors of eliminating potential breeding sites.
Officials are testing dead birds for the virus, and Todd said some have brought birds in for testing. However, only dead crows and blue jays are accepted for testing. All other birds such as grackles, starlings and raptures will not be tested.
If one encounters a dead bird, it does not necessarily mean the virus in the area, state officials report, but the public is encouraged to contact their local health department.
Symptoms of West Nile Virus
• Many people have no illness
• Some may experience mild flu-like symptoms including fever, head and body aches that only last a few days
Some may have a mild rash or swollen lymph glands
Less than 1 percent of those infected may develop meningitis or encephalitis, with the most severe forms of the disease requiring medical care. This occurs primarily in those 50 years old or older. Symptoms of meningitis or encephalitis may include:
• severe headache
• high fever
• neck stiffness
• stupor
• disorientation
• convulsions
• paralysis