The El Paso County Department of Health and Environment completed an investigation that confirms El Paso County’s second human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in 2004.
- The second human case is a 56-year-old woman from El Paso County. The patient experienced chills, fever, headache, and severe muscle pain. The patient was not hospitalized, and is recovering.
- The first human case is a 29-year-old man from El Paso County. The patient experienced symptoms compatible with WNV. The symptoms continued to progress, and he was hospitalized with WNV Meningitis (inflammation of the brain’s lining). He is recovering.
- To date, one horse and one mosquito pool have tested positive for WNV infection in El Paso County.
- In 2003, the majority of WNV infections were reported in the months of August and September in El Paso County.
“This is a serious disease, and the majority of infected persons experience a feeling of extreme tiredness and weakness for several weeks,” said Dr. Sonja Anic, communicable disease program director with the El Paso County Department of Health and Environment.” The average duration of WNV illness is about 22 days. This is according to our 2003 investigation data.”The disease has been moving across the United States from east to west since first striking New York City in the summer of 1999. The virus was first identified in Colorado in August 2002. In 2003, there were 2,947 confirmed human cases in Colorado, with 63 deaths.All three forms of WNV are serious and include fever, Meningitis and Encephalitis, and have potential for causing long-term illness and disability. WNV can affect any age group: symptoms may include fever, fatigue, headache, muscle weakness, rash, stiff neck or changed mental state. Promptly seek medical attention from a physician if you have any of these symptoms.Dr. Anic adds, “We urge everyone to take steps to protect their family and themselves from mosquito bites. Individuals can protect themselves from WNV by employing the four Ds: draining standing water around the house weekly in order to eliminate mosquito breeding areas; limiting outdoor activities during dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active; using insect repellent containing DEET; and dressing in long sleeves and pants when going outside.”Extensive information on WNV in El Paso County, and practical tips about the disease can be found at the Health Department’s Web site:
www.elpasocountyhealth.org, or call 719-578-3199.
