September  12, 2006

Kootenai County Man Diagnosed with West Nile Virus Infection

The Panhandle Health District confirmed Tuesday that a Post Falls man in his forties is Kootenai County’s first reported case of West Nile Virus infection, although health officials believe he was not infected in Kootenai County. The man recently returned home from southern Utah, where health care officials believe he was infected.

        The man was diagnosed over the weekend with the neuro-invasive form of West Nile. Eighty percent of the people infected with West Nile show no symptoms. The virus develops into a mild illness in 20 percent. The more severe neuro-invasive form of West Nile strikes about one in 150 people infected.

        “We don’t feel the disease was acquired here in Kootenai County,” said David Hylsky, PHD staff epidemiologist. “The patient had a recent travel history to the state of Utah. We still don’t think West Nile is here yet.”

        West Nile virus is transmitted by infected mosquitoes to humans, horses and other animals after feeding on diseased birds, which are the host animals. No mosquitoes or animals have tested positive for the virus in the five northern counties.

        As of Tuesday, 678 Idaho residents have tested positive for West Nile virus across southern and central Idaho this year. The virus has been found in humans and/or animals in 33 of the state’s 44 counties.

        Symptoms of West Nile virus infections typically begin within 14 days following the insect bite and consist of fever, muscle and joint aches, listlessness and, in more severe cases, headaches, which could indicate the neuro-invasive form of the illness.

        There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus infection. Avoiding mosquitoes is the best prevention. To reduce risk of contracting the virus:

• Stay indoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active
• Wear protective clothing outdoors
• Use a mosquito repellant containing up to 35 percent DEET. Apply DEET to children with your hands, avoiding the child’s face and hands.

        The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare updates the state’s West Nile infection count daily at http://www.westnile.idaho.gov. It includes only reported cases. Many cases are mild and unreported because the infected people don’t seek medical care.

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