- State laboratory results have identified Idaho,s first
probable human case of West Nile virus infection acquired within Idaho,s
borders. The man works with a Twin Falls County farm; his only known exposure
to the virus came when he worked with sick alligators later determined
to be carrying the virus. The man, in his 40s, has completely recovered
from the infection and poses no health threat to other Idaho residents.
Lab tests conducted at the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare,s Bureau
of Laboratories were positive for West Nile virus. The state is waiting
for confirmation of its test results by the US Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention in Atlanta.
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- "We are very glad to report that this gentleman
is well. The symptoms he experienced were very mild," said Dr Christine
Hahn, state epidemiologist with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.
"We do not believe the public is at any increased risk for infection
with the virus. In fact, recent freezing temperatures all but eliminate
any risk of exposure to mosquitoes that might be carrying the virus until
next spring."
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- Health officials have not determined how the man picked
up the virus. He does not recall being bitten by mosquitoes, by far the
most common way in which humans pick up the disease. However, his recent
work involved using bare hands to handle ill juvenile alligators that later
were identified as carrying the virus. The alligators were being raised
at a local exotic animal farm. The juvenile alligators he handled were
part of a shipment of 1000 alligators imported from Florida in September.
The animals were imported legally and were housed in an enclosed, secure
building. They became ill almost immediately on arrival, according to the
farmer. Hundreds of the alligators died before a connection to West Nile
virus was made.
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- Officials from the departments of Health and Welfare,
Agriculture and South Central District Health are working with the farm
operator to assure public safety. The farmer voluntarily had the remaining
alligators humanely destroyed and safely disposed of, under guidance from
the wildlife section of the Idaho Department of Agriculture. Following
recommendations from South Central District Health officials, the farmer
also has disinfected the enclosed building where the infected alligators
were being raised. "Aquatic life in other parts of the farm are not
exhibiting any symptoms of the virus. Again, there appears to be no increased
risk to the general public," Hahn said. "The owner of the alligators
acted very responsibly. We believe there is no threat of the virus spreading
to the general population," Hahn added. "And, with the recent
freezing temperatures, the threat of the virus being spread by mosquitoes
is over for the year."
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- Six others who work at the farm also were tested for
the infection. Specimens drawn from all 6 came back negative for West Nile.
About 20 per cent of people who are infected with West Nile virus have
symptoms of the infection, which can include headaches, body aches, and
mild fever. Less than one per cent of people infected develop a serious
illness from the viral infection. "We have known for some time that
West Nile was coming," Hahn said. "Counting Idaho, the virus
has been found in 46 states now, including our neighboring states of Montana,
Wyoming, Utah, and Nevada. And, we can expect that it will reappear in
Idaho next year."
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- Throughout the spring, summer and early fall, Idaho surveyed
mosquito populations for the virus, and tested dead magpies, crows and
jays submitted through District Health departments. No mosquitoes -- let
alone infected mosquitoes -- were found at the farm last week. No infected
mosquitoes were found during the spring or summer when ongoing surveillance
was conducted within 10 miles of the farm,s location. West Nile virus has
a high mortality rate among these birds, and most states have discovered
the virus in their states through dead bird testing. Testing of mosquitoes
and birds will resume in the spring.
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- http://www2.state.id.us/dhw/news/2003/11_06_westnile.htm
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