Mountain Home man diagnosed with West Nile virus

For the first time this year, a human case of the West Nile virus has been confirmed in Elmore County, according to the Central District Health Department (CDHD).

CDHD released a report last Friday acknowledging that the virus had been positively diagnosed in a 33-year-old man from Mountain Home.

Dave Fotsch, public information officer for CDHD, believed that the infected man had presented with the West Nile fever, the less severe form of the disease, and did not require hospitalization. The identity of the man was not released.

Marsha Sellers, chairperson for the Elmore County West Nile Task Force, was encouraged that there was only one case so far this year. "By this time last year, we had 24 confirmed cases of the virus in the county."

Though this is the first "official" case, based on the state's definition, there have been at least three patients who have tested positive for the virus in Elmore County.

Wayne Martin, nurse practictioner with Trinity Mountain Family Practice, said that in the last month he had three patients who tested positive and has another probable case pending, based on expected lab results.

"If people realized how many people were becoming ill, they might be more cautious and take measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes," Martin said.

Fotsch explained possible reasons for differences in the number of local cases testing positive for the virus compared to "official" cases, as determined by the state's standards.

"There are a few reasons why the numbers could be different," Fotsch said, "There is some lag time from when the cases are reported by physicians and we have a chance to conduct an investigation and interview the infected patient to determine if it is a positive case of the virus."

"Perhaps the physicians are not reporting the cases to us, our investigation is not complete or the case does not meet the state's definition for West Nile virus," Fotsch offered.

As of Friday, Aug.17, there is one "official" case in Elmore County and two suspected cases, according to Fotsch, who said that most cases are reported from labs. For other suspected cases, there is not enough information to call them "official".

"We know it (West Nile virus) is here but there is no vaccine and the best approach is to continue to take preventative steps to avoid being bitten," Fotsch said.

"Using DEET and wearing protective clothing during the time period from dusk to dawn, when the species that carries the virus is most active, is what we encourage."

There were 23 deaths last year in the state with the West Nile virus being a "contributing factor", according to Fotsch.

The great majority of the deaths were in the 50+ age group and in people suffering from other medical conditions.

Information provided on the state's website about the virus states that if an illness does arise from the bite of an infected mosquito, the symptoms can range from mild to severe.

The most common form is called West Nile fever, which may include a fever, headache, body aches, a rash and swollen glands. The symptoms of West Nile fever may last for days or linger for weeks to months.

Serious illness infecting the brain or spinal cord can occur in some individuals, and although anyone can experience the more severe form of the disease, it tends to occur in people over the age of 50 or those with other underlying medical conditions or weakened immune systems.

The severe symptoms may include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis.

These symptoms may last several weeks or more, and neurological effects may be permanent. Usually, symptoms occur from 5 to 15 days after the bite of an infected mosquito.

There is no specific treatment for infection, but hospitalization and treatment of symptoms may improve the chances of recovery for severe infections and again, there is no vaccine currently available for humans.

The website address for the state is www.westnile.idaho.gov.

Last year there were 65 documented cases of West Nile virus and three confirmed deaths from the virus in Elmore County.

Property owners can receive free treatments from the Elmore County Extension office for suspected mosquito breeding areas, typically shallow standing pools of water.

Information about mosquito abatement and treatment and the West Nile virus is available at the County Extension office by calling the Mosquito Hotline at 1-866-884-2891 or 587-2136 extension 509.