Arbovirus is defined as viruses that are maintained in nature and are transmitted between susceptible vertebrate hosts by blood feeding arthropods such as mosquitoes.
The laboratory's role in Arboviruses is the diagnosis and surveillance of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), LaCrosse Encephalitis (LAC), St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE) and West Nile Virus (WNV). The laboratory currently tests for IgM in human serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for all four of these viruses and IgG for WNV. Horse serum is tested for EEE and WNV IgM. The laboratory, with the help from local health departments, are now testing oral swabs on dead birds for SLE and WNV. Mosquito pools of adult mosquitoes are collected and sent to the laboratory for testing of LAC, SLE, and WNV to help with surveillance as well.
The laboratory, with the help from local health departments, are now testing oral swabs on dead birds for SLE and WNV. Mosquito pools of adult mosquitoes are collected and sent to the laboratory for testing of LAC, SLE, and WNV to help with surveillance as well.
What are the symptoms of West Nile?
If at any time you think that you could have West Nile Virus, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Although the chance of any one person becoming ill from a mosquito bite is still very low, most people are infected with West Nile and never develop any symptoms. People over the age of 50 are still at the highest risk for developing severe illness and death.
Symptoms generally appear 3 to 14 days after an infected mosquito bites a person and 80% of people that are infected never display any symptoms. The symptoms that you might experience are:
Mild Symptoms: up to 20% of infected people might have a fever, headache, body ache, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph glands or a rash on the chest, back and stomach. These symptoms can last for a few days.
Serious Symptoms: If you experience these symptoms seek medical attention as soon as possible. 1in 150 people will experience some of these symptoms: High fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, or paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks and the neurological effects may be permanent.
How do I contract West Nile?
You cannot get West Nile by casual contact with an infected person. Most people are infected after being bitten by a mosquito that was infected by feeding off an infected bird. A very small number of cases have developed from blood transfusions, organ transplants, occupational exposure, from breast milk and from mother to unborn baby.
How can I protect myself, family and community?
The peak hours of mosquito activity is from dusk to dawn in warm weather.
The best protection is to lower the risk of being bitten. You can do this by the following:
- Use an insect repellent containing DEET
- Wear long pants and long sleeved shirts when out doors
- Avoid outdoor activities during peek times
- Clean up around where you work and play outside
- Change water in bird baths or other decorations
- Remove ANY standing water
- Remove ANY object that might collect water that will not drain
- Check any catch basins that are in your yard
- Report any dead bird that doesn't show signs of trauma to your local health department
What are the tests for West Nile and Other Arboviruses?
The tests that are or will be preformed here in this lab are:
- IgM capture ELISA - detects antibodies that are produced during the first days of infection in human or equine.
- IgG ELISA - detects antibodies that are produced in later stages of infection and last longer in human or equine.
- NASBA - Nucleic acid amplification test system for bird and mosquito tissue.
- PRNT - This test is not performed here in the state lab, but it is the best confirmation test. We currently use CDC for this testing.
What is LaCrosse Encephalitis (LAC)?
LaCrosse Encephalitis is a virus that is caused by the bite of an infected Treehole mosquito. This virus has many of the same symptoms of West Nile and other Arboviral infections. Adults and children can be infected but most cases are found in children up to the age of 16.
LaCrosse has been found in West Virginia and the same precautions as West Nile should be taken.
What are the symptoms of LaCrosse?
- Headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and disorientation.
- In severe cases seizures or coma may occur.
LaCrosse encephalitis is rarely fatal, but it usually does require medical attention.
CONTACTS
West Nile Section
Ph. 304-558-3530 x2402
Entomology Section
Greg Chrislip
gregchrislip@wvdhhr.org
Ph. 304-558-3530 x2302
