For more information contact:
Joseph Thornton, Media Coordinator/Public Information
Specialist
Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs
West Virginia Department of health and Human Resources
Phone: 304-558-7899 Fax:
304-558-7075
Cell: 304-546-7960 e-mail:
josephthornton@wvdhhr.org
For immediate release
Second probable human West Nile virus case detected
A 78-year-old Wood County resident is West Virginia’s second probable human case of infection from West Nile virus. Confirmatory testing is pending from the Centers for Disease Control. The Wood County resident has died.
Symptoms from the virus include: fever, headache, body aches, fatigue, confusion, weakness, nausea, vomiting and stiff neck.
West Nile virus may be spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. When outdoors during mosquito season, people can protect themselves by being properly clothed in long, loose and light-colored clothing and use mosquito repellants containing DEET. When using products that contain DEET, use according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Never apply products containing DEET to faces and hands of children. In addition, mosquito populations can be reduced by removing all standing water from your property: bird baths, pet bowls, tires, pots, cans or even bottle caps.
"The second probable human case for West Virginia only further stresses the
importance of awareness and protection for state residents," said Loretta Haddy, state epidemiologist. "It can’t be said often enough that residents need to be aware of their surroundings and take steps to help control the mosquito population in their community."For more information contact your local health department, or the WVDHHR Office of Communications at 1-304-558-8886 or www.wvdhhr.org.
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