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Mosquito season brings fear of West Nile VirusArkansas Mosquito repellent is no longer just a means to avoid annoying itches, but may help keep carriers of West Nile Virus at bay, says Dr. Russ Kennedy, Ph.D., assistant professor of health and aging specialist with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. "People can become infected from the bite of mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus," said Kennedy. "Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds, which may circulate the virus in mosquitoes' blood for a few days. However, the chance that any one person is going to become ill from a mosquito bite is low." According to the federal Centers for Disease Control, three cases have been reported in the U.S. so far this year, all in Mississippi. As of May 22, there have been no human or animal cases reported in Arkansas. Last year, the CDC reported four human deaths in Arkansas from 29 reported cases of West Nile virus. Only Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Delaware and Maine reported no human cases last year. "Experts monitor the spread of West Nile by surveillance of mosquitoes and sentinel birds," he said. "Crows have become the primary sentinel species because they seem to be particularly susceptible to WNV-caused fatalities. The numbers and locations of dead crows are closely monitored, and some are tested for the disease." The Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health, began its statewide surveillance for West Nile Virus in wild birds in May and will conduct ongoing testing for the virus in human serum and spinal fluid throughout the year. This month, the department began mosquito surveillance with traps throughout the state. Kennedy said older people are at a higher risk for infection. The good news is that "most of the people who are bitten by an infected mosquito are protected by their immune system and will not get sick," he said. "Mosquito hygiene" includes source reduction of mosquito breeding sites and avoidance of biting mosquitoes--both are a key factor in reducing risk from WNV. Mosquitoes breed in wet areas, and some species can reproduce within a week. There doesn't have to be much water, and the water doesn't have to be left standing for long. Kennedy recommends avoiding mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved shirt and long pants and/or by using insect repellent when out after dusk or in shaded areas (such as woods) during the daytime. For more information about the West Nile Virus, please contact your county extension agent. The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the U of A Division of Agriculture. Date: 6/19/07
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