West Nile Virus

The American Camp Association is committed
to helping its members and others stay abreast
of issues which have the potential to impact
camps and camp-related programs. The following
links provide access to some of the latest
information on the West Nile Virus.

ACA Articles

Links to Other Sites
Center
for Disease Control (CDC)

Click above for detailed information from
the CDC's Division of Vector-Borne Infectious
Diseases.

American
Academy of Pediatrics

Click above for information on the use of
DEET, and information for clinicians.

U.S.
Geological Survey

Click on the link above for the latest USGS
map of documented affected geographical
areas in the U.S.

Background Information
on West Nile Virus

According to the USGS, the West Nile virus
(WNV) was first isolated in 1937, it has
been known to cause asymptomatic infection
and fevers in humans in Africa, West Asia,
and the Middle East. Human and animal infections
were not documented in the Western Hemisphere
until 1999. In 1999 and 2000, outbreaks
of WNV encephalitis (inflammation of the
brain) were reported in persons living in
the New York City metropolitan area, New
Jersey, and Connecticut. In these two years,
83 human cases of West Nile illness were
reported; 9 died. In 2001, human infection
with WNV occurred in 10 states with 66 cases
and 9 deaths. In 2002, WNV activity has
spread to most eastern and mid-western states,
with 113 cases and 5 deaths as of August
8.


WNV is transmitted to humans through mosquito
bites. Mosquitoes become infected when they
feed on infected birds that have high levels
of WNV in their blood. Infected mosquitoes
can then transmit WNV when they feed on
humans or other animals.


WNV is not transmitted from person to person
and there is no evidence that a person can
get infected by handling live or dead infected
birds. But, to add a further level of safety,
if birds or other potentially infected animals
must be handled, a protective barrier (e.g.,
gloves, inverted plastic bags) should be
used.


Most WNV infected humans have no symptoms.
A small proportion develops mild symptoms
that include fever, headache, body aches,
skin rash and swollen lymph glands. Less
than 1% of infected people develop more
severe illness that includes meningitis
(inflammation of the spinal cord) or encephalitis.
The symptoms of these illnesses can include
headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor,
disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions,
muscle weakness, and paralysis. Of the few
people that develop encephalitis, a small
proportion die but, overall, this is estimated
to occur in less than 1 out of 1000 infections.


There is no specific treatment for WNV infection
or vaccine to prevent it. Treatment of severe
illnesses includes hospitalization, use
of intravenous fluids and nutrition, respiratory
support, prevention of secondary infections,
and good nursing care. Medical care should
be sought as soon as possible for persons
who have symptoms suggesting severe illness.


Individuals may reduce their contact with
mosquitoes by taking these actions:


When outdoors, wear clothing that covers
the skin such as long sleeve shirts and
pants, apply effective insect repellent
to clothing and exposed skin, and curb outside
activity during the hours that mosquitoes
are feeding which often includes dawn and
dusk. In addition, screens should be applied
to doors and windows and regularly maintained
to keep mosquitoes from entering camp buildings.


Source: USGS, 2002

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