Important West Nile Virus Information

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

2018 - PAHAN–425–10-12 - ADV

2018 West Nile Virus Season Update in Pennsylvania DATE:	October 12, 2018
TO:	Health Alert Network
FROM:	Dr. Rachel Levine, Secretary of Health
SUBJECT:	West Nile Virus Season Update in 2018 in Pennsylvania
DISTRIBUTION:	Statewide
LOCATION:	Statewide
STREET ADDRESS:	n/a
COUNTY:	n/a
MUNICIPALITY:	n/a
ZIP CODE:	n/a

 

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

2018 - PAHAN–425–10-12 - ADV

2018 West Nile Virus Season Update in Pennsylvania

Summary

• • Reported human cases of West Nile virus infection are the second highest since cases were first recorded in 2001
• • Risk of WNV transmission will continue until the first hard frost occurs
• • Health care providers should remain vigilant for West Nile and other arboviral infections in persons with clinically compatible symptoms

As of October 8, 2018, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) has identified 72 human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) infection from 22 counties, which is the highest year-to-date case count in over a decade and includes three deaths from Lebanon, Lancaster and Westmoreland counties. Additionally, high counts of WNV-infected mosquitoes, birds, and horses have led the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to record the highest risk of being bitten by WNV-infected mosquitoes than ever previously found. Although WNV is the most commonly reported locally-acquired arbovirus transmitted by mosquitoes in Pennsylvania, other arboviruses are present in the state and can cause infections. DOH recently reported the first case of infection with St. Louis Encephalitis virus since 2008. Since mosquito activity is higher than usual for this time of year, health care providers should remain vigilant as risk of human WNV and other arboviral infections will remain elevated until the first hard frost.

DOH would like to remind health care providers to remain vigilant in considering the diagnosis of arboviral infection in persons presenting with undifferentiated febrile illness or signs of meningoencephalitis, to ask about recent travel history, and to seek appropriate testing and collection of diagnostic specimens.

WHEN TO CONSIDER WEST NILE VIRUS TESTING FOR YOUR PATIENT

1. Remember to ask about each patient’s recent (past 3 weeks) travel history, as this can help determine for which arbovirus to test. The following clinical syndromes presenting during summer/fall months among patients with no recent travel history should prompt consideration for WNV testing: Viral encephalitis, characterized by:

• Fever >38oC or 100oF and,

• CNS involvement, including altered mental status (altered level of consciousness, confusion, agitation, or lethargy) or other cortical signs (cranial nerve palsies, paresis or paralysis, or convulsions) and,

• Abnormal CSF profile suggesting a viral etiology (negative bacterial Gram stain and culture with a pleocytosis [WBC between 5 and 1500 cells/mm3] and/or elevated protein level [>40 mg/dl]).

2. Viral meningitis, characterized by:

• Fever >38oC or 100oF and,

• Headache, stiff neck and/or other meningeal signs and,

• Abnormal CSF profile suggesting viral etiology (negative bacterial Gram stain and culture with a pleocytosis [WBC of 5-1500 cells/mm3] and/or elevated protein level [>40 mg/dl]).

3. Poliomyelitis-like syndromes:

• Acute flaccid paralysis or paresis, which may resemble Guillain-Barré syndrome, or other unexplained movement disorders such as tremor, myoclonus or Parkinson’s-like symptoms, especially if associated with atypical features, such as fever, altered mental status and/or a CSF pleocytosis. Afebrile illness with asymmetric weakness, with or without areflexia, has also been reported in association with WNV.

4. Unexplained febrile illness:

• Especially if accompanied by headache, fatigue, myalgias, stiff neck, or rash.

DIAGNOSIS OF WEST NILE VIRUS INFECTIONS

For most arboviral infections, serology and/or nucleic acid testing (e.g., PCR) can facilitate diagnosis. WNV diagnosis is usually serological, by detection of WNV-specific IgM antibody in serum or CSF. WNV IgM may not be detectable until day 8 of illness. Specimens collected less than 8 days after onset may be negative for IgM, and testing should be repeated 2-3 weeks later.

Specimens (serum and/or CSF) collected from patients with suspected WNV can be submitted to the DOH Bureau of Laboratories. WNV IgM testing is performed free-of-charge. Instructions for submitting specimens can be found at http://www.westnile.state.pa.us/action/WNVSubmissionForm.pdf.

For questions, please call your local health department or DOH at 1-877-PA HEALTH.

 

07/20/15 - ADV - 2015 West Nile Virus Season in Pennsylvania

Message: Over the past three weeks, routine seasonal monitoring conducted by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) West Nile virus (WNV) surveillance program has detected 61 WNV-infected mosquito samples from 15 counties throughout the Commonwealth. No human WNV infections have been detected yet in Pennsylvania in 2015; however, the risk of WNV transmission to humans is beginning to increase. Risk is likely to remain elevated over the next several months, even with continuing efforts to suppress mosquito populations. To raise awareness, PADOH is reminding the public to take steps to reduce exposure to potentially infected mosquitoes. PADOH is also reminding health care providers to consider the diagnosis of WNV in exposed persons presenting with undifferentiated febrile illness or signs of meningoencephalitis, collect appropriate diagnostic specimens, and promptly contact your local health department or PADOH for assistance.

DIAGNOSIS OF WNV INFECTION

While the majority of persons infected with WNV will be asymptomatic, the virus can produce a non-specific febrile illness (West Nile fever) or severe meningo-encephalitis. Severe disease is more likely to occur in older individuals (especially the elderly) or those with compromised immunity from disease or medications. WNV-related disease is most commonly seen during the months of July through September. Risk of WNV transmission continues until the first hard frost in the fall. Additional information about WNV-associated illness can be found at www.cdc.gov/westnile/.

Pennsylvania physicians are reminded that encephalitis and meningitis of any etiology, and all arboviral infections (including non-neuroinvasive arboviral infections), are reportable conditions under existing Pennsylvania health regulations (Chapter 27). Report such cases online via PA-NEDSS (email NEDSS@pa.gov to register), or call your county/municipal health department or local State Health Center.

Consider West Nile virus testing for patients meeting the following criteria:

1. Any adult or pediatric patient with suspected viral encephalitis (Criteria a, b and c below) with or without associated muscle weakness (Criteria d):

a. Fever > 38.0^0C or 101^0F (most patients with
West Nile disease have higher fevers), and

b. Altered mental status (altered level of
consciousness, agitation, lethargy) and/or other
evidence of cortical involvement (e. g. , focal
neurological findings, seizures), and

c. CSF pleocytosis with predominant lymphocytes
and/or elevated protein and a negative Gram
stain and culture, with or without

d. Muscle weakness (especially flaccid paralysis)
confirmed by neurological exam or by EMG.

2. Any adult or pediatric patient with presumptive aseptic meningitis: (Please note that enteroviral meningitis is common among young children during the summer months, and should be considered first when assessing cases of aseptic meningitis in children aged 2 years or older):

a.Fever, and

b. Headache, and

c. Stiff neck and/or other meningeal signs, and

d. CSF pleocytosis with predominant lymphocytes
and moderately elevated protein, and a negative
Gram stain and culture.

Patients with milder illnesses (e. g., fever and headache, fever and rash, fever and lymphadenopathy) may also be tested for WNV.

PADOH requests that all suspected WNV cases have specimens (serum and/or CSF) submitted to PADOH's Public Health State Laboratory in Lionville, Pennsylvania. Laboratory testing is performed free-of-charge. Please note: IgM antibody to WNV is usually not detectable until 3 days (in CSF) to 8 days (in serum) after illness onset. Instructions for submitting specimens to the state lab can be found at:
http://www.westnile.state.pa.us/action/WNVSubmissionForm.pdf.




August 24, 2010 - First Human Case of West Nile Virus in Pennsylvania - 2010

 

October 4, 2006 - The Lycoming County WNV Program will be conducting  truck mounted ultra low volume (ULV) and backpack barrier mosquito control operations in the following locations in Lycoming County from Monday  September 25th through Friday, October 6th, 2006:- The Lycoming County WNV Program will be conducting  truck mounted ultra low volume (ULV) and backpack barrier mosquito control operations in the following locations in Lycoming County from Monday  September 25th through Friday, October 6th, 2006:

1. An application site in the vicinity of Reach Rd., South Reach Rd., and surrounding Newberry neighborhoods in the city of Williamsport.
2. An application site in the vicinity of West 3rd St., Rose St., Dix St. and Walker St. in the city of Williamsport.
3. An application site in the vicinity of Antler's Lane, Herlocher Rd., Lower Water St., and Glosser Lane in Woodward Township.
4. An application site in the vicinity of  McKee Rd., Pleasant Hill Rd and neighborhoods between Pleasant Hill and West Cottage Avenue along Lycoming Creek Rd, and the bike path in Lycoming and Old Lycoming townships.
5. An application site in the vicinity of Hesbhon Rd. and the bike path in Loyalsock Township.
6. An application site in the vicinity of Mahaffey Lane, Lycoming Creek Rd., Mill Lane and Sarama Lane, including neighborhoods in this area in Old Lycoming Township.
7. An application site in the vicinity of Old Montoursville Rd., Greevy Rd., Canfield Lane, Hawbaker's area, and Barney Drive in Loyalsock township.
8. An application site in the vicinity of Mill St., Broad St., and Loyalsock Avenue and nearby neighborhoods in Montoursville Borough.
9. An application site in the vicinity of East Mountain Avenue and the South Williamsport Recreation fields in Armstrong Township and areas in the South Williamsport Borough.
10. An application site in the vicinity of Chestnut St., Mechanic St., and Main St. in Muncy Creek Township and Muncy Borough.
11. An application site in the vicinity of Elm Drive and Lime Bluff Recreation Area in Wolf Township.
12. An application site in the vicinity of West Village Dr and Rt 654 in the Nisbet area in Susquehanna Township.
13. Other areas of Williamsport based on high trap numbers as per our protocol.

The truck mounted ULV Control work is scheduled throughout the week during the early evening hours.  Estimated start time is 7:00 p.m., with an estimated 4 hours to get the job done.

Recent high populations of adult mosquitoes along with wet weather and the past history of these areas have prompted the need for this adult control work.  Truck mounted ULV spraying equipment  and bacpacks will be used to conduct the application.  Thick vegetated areas, wooded areas, industrial areas, and residential areas are the primary targets.  There will be no aerial spraying.   Barrier spraying will be conducted in the early afternoon hours.  The products used will be Aqualuer 20-20 and Flit 10EC.

Weather conditions, low temperatures,  equipment malfunctions, low surveillance counts of adult mosquitoes, or other unforeseen events could delay or cancel portions of this event.

September 25, 2006 - Based on recent trap counts, the Lycoming County WNV Program will be conducting  truck mounted ultra low volume (ULV) and backpack barrier mosquito control operations in the following locations in Lycoming County from Monday  September 25th through Friday, October 6th, 2006:

1. An application site in  the vicinity of Reach Rd., South Reach Rd., and surrounding Newberry neighborhoods in the city of Williamsport.
2. An application site in the vicinity of West 3rd St., Rose St., Dix St. and Walker St. in the city of Williamsport
3. An application site in the vicinity of Antler's Lane, Herlocher Rd., Lower Water St., and Glosser Lane in Woodward Township.
4. An application site in the vicinity of  McKee Rd., Pleasant Hill Rd and neighborhoods between Pleasant Hill and West Cottage Avenue along Lycoming Creek Rd, and the bike path in Lycoming and Old Lycoming townships.
5. An application site in the vicinity of Hesbhon Rd and the bike path in Loyalsock township.
6. An application site in the vicinity of Mahaffey Lane, Lycoming Creek Rd., Mill Lane and Sarama Lane, including neighborhoods in this area in Old Lycoming Township.
7. An application site in the vicinity of Old Montoursville Rd., Greevy Rd., Canfield Lane, Hawbaker's area, and Barney Drive in Loyalsock Township.
8. An application site in the vicinity of Mill St., Broad St., and Loyalsock Avenue and nearby neighborhoods in Montoursville Borough.
9. An application site in the vicinity of East Mountain Avenue and the South Williamsport Recreation fields in Armstrong Township and areas in the South Williamsport Borough.
10. An application site in the vicinity of Chestnut St., Mechanic St., and Main St. in Muncy Creek Township and Muncy Borough.
11. An application site in the vicinity of Elm Drive and Lime Bluff Recreation Area in Wolf Township.
12. An application site in the vicinity of West Village Dr and Rt 654 in the Nisbet area in Susquehanna Township.
13. Other areas of Williamsport based on high trap numbers as per our protocol.

The truck mounted ULV Control work is scheduled throughout the week during the early evening hours.  Estimated start time is 7:00 p.m., with an estimated 4 hours to complete.

Recent high populations of adult mosquitoes along with wet weather and the past history of these areas have prompted the need for this adult control work.  Truck mounted ULV spraying equipment  and bacpacks will be used to conduct the application.  Thick vegetated areas, wooded areas, industrial areas, and residential areas are the primary targets.  There will be no aerial spraying.   Barrier spraying will be conducted in the early afternoon hours.  The products used will be Aqualuer 20-20 and Flit 10EC.

Weather conditions, low temperatures,  equipment malfunctions, low surveillance counts of adult mosquitoes, or other unforeseen events could delay or cancel portions of this event.

September 18, 2006 - The Lycoming County WNV Program will be conducting  truck mounted ultra low volume (ULV) and backpack barrier mosquito control operations in the following locations in Lycoming County from Monday to Friday, September 17th through 22nd, 2006:

1. An application site in  the vicinity of Reach Rd., South Reach Rd., and surrounding Newberry neighborhoods in the city of Williamsport.
2. An application site in the vicinity of West 3rd St., Rose St., Dix St. and Walker St. in the city of Williamsport
3. An application site in the vicinity of Antler's Lane, Herlocher Rd., Lower Water St., and Glosser Lane in Woodward Township.
4. An application site in the vicinity of  McKee Rd., Pleasant Hill Rd and neighborhoods between Pleasant Hill and West Cottage Avenue along Lycoming Creek Rd, and the bike path in Lycoming and Old Lycoming townships.
5. An application site in the vicinity of Hesbhon Rd and the bike path in Loyalsock township.
6. An application site in the vicinity of Mahaffey Lane, Lycoming Creek Rd., Mill Lane and Sarama Lane, including neighborhoods in this area in Old Lycoming Township.
7. An application site in the vicinity of Old Montoursville Rd., Canfield Lane, Hawbaker's area, and Barney Drive in Loyalsock township.
8. An application site in the vicinity of Mill St., Broad St., and Loyalsock Avenue and nearby neighborhoods in Montoursville Boro.
9. An application site in the vicinity of East Mountain Avenue and the South Williamsport Recreation fields in South Williamsport Boro.
10. An application site in the vicinity of Chestnut St., Mechanic St., and Main St. in Muncy Creek Township.
11. An application site in the vicinity of Elm Drive and Lime Bluff Recreation Area in Wolf Township.

The Control work is scheduled throughout the week during the early evening hours.  Estimated start time is 7:30 p.m., with an estimated 3 hours to get the job done.

Recent high populations of adult mosquitoes along with wet weather and the past history of these areas have prompted the need for this adult control work.  Truck mounted ULV spraying equipment  and bacpacks will be used to conduct the application.  Thick vegetated areas, wooded areas, industrial areas, and residential areas are the primary targets.  There will be no aerial spraying.  The products used will be Aqualuer 20-20 and Flit 10EC.

Weather conditions, equipment malfunctions, low surveillance counts of adult mosquitoes, or other unforeseen events could delay or cancel portions of this event.

September 12, 2006 - The Lycoming County WNV Program will be conducting a truck mounted ultra low volume (ULV) mosquito control operation in Lycoming County.  The areas to be treated include the following:

1. An application in the vicinity of Reach Rd.
2. An application site in the vicinity ofAntlers Lane, Herlocher Rd, Lower Water St. and Glosser Rdin Woodward Twp.
3. An application site in the South Reach Rd. area in the city of Williamsport.
4. An application site in the vicinity of Rose St., Dix St., and Walker St., in the city of Williamsport.

The control work has been scheduled forTuesday, Wednesday and/or Thursday, September 12th, 13th and/or 14th, 2006 during the early evening hours. Estimated start time is 1930, with an estimated 3 hours to get the job done. The BU number is 6737.

Recent high populations of adult mosquitoes along with wet weather and the past history of these areas have prompted the need for this adult control work.

Truck mounted ULV spraying equipment will be used to conduct the application. Thick vegetated areas, wooded areas, industrial areas, and residential areas are the primary target the spray.

There will be no aerial spraying.  The products used will be Aqualuer 20-20.

Weather conditions, equipment malfunctions, low surveillance counts of adultmosquitoes, or other unforeseen events could delay or cancel portions of this event.

September 8, 2006 - The Lycoming County WNV Program will be conducting a truck mounted ultra low volume (ULV) mosquito control operation in an area along Lycoming Creek Rd in Lycoming, Loyalsock and Old Lycoming townships on Friday, September 8,2006. The area to be covered is a 'corridor' between Mckees Rd and Mill Lane, covering neighborhoods and the bike path within this area along Lycoming Creek Rd.

The control work has been scheduled for Friday, September 8th, 2006 during the early evening hours.  Estimated start time is 1930, with an estimated 3 hours to get the job done. The BU number is 6737.

Recent high populations of adult mosquitoes along with wet weather and the past history of these areas have prompted the need for this adult control work.

Truck mounted ULV spraying equipment will be used to conduct the application.

Thick vegetated areas, wooded areas and residential areas are the primary targets. There will be no aerial spraying.  The products used  will be Anvil 10 10.

Weather conditions, equipment malfunctions, low surveillance counts of adult mosquitoes, or other unforeseen events could delay or cancel portions of this event.

September 6, 2006 - The Lycoming County WNV Program will be conducting a truck mounted ultra low volume (ULV) and backpackULV mosquito control operation in 3 locations in LycomingCounty.  The areas to be treated include the following:

1. An application site in the vicinity of Mill Lane, Princeton Ave, Mahaffey Avenues and surrounding streets in Old Lycoming Twp.
2. An application site in the vicinity of Canfield Lane,  Old Montoursville Rd. near Hawbakers, and Barneys Dr in Loyalsock Township.
3. An application site in the vicinity of Mills St., Broad St, and Loyalsock Avenue in Montoursville Boro.

The control work has been scheduled for Thursday, September 7th, 2006 during the early evening hours.  Estimated start time is 8:30 p.m., with an estimated 3 hours to complete the job.   A barrier spray will be applied at the Old Lycoming Township site by backpack sprayer in the early afternoon. The BU number is 6737.

Recent high populations of adult mosquitoes along with wet weather and the past history of these areas have prompted the need for this adult control work.

Truck mounted ULV spraying equipment and ULV backpacks will be used to conduct the application.

Thick vegetated areas, wooded areas and residential areas are the primary targets. There will be no aerial spraying.  The products used will be Anvil 10 10 and Flit 10EC.

Weather conditions, equipment malfunctions, low surveillance counts of adult mosquitoes, or other unforeseen events could delay or cancel portions of this event.

August 23, 2006 - As of today, August 23, Lycoming County has had four (4) mosquito samples tested "positive" for West Nile Virus. Three (3) of these positives were in the City of Williamsport and one (1) of these positives was in the Township of Woodward.

Throughout the Commonwealth, there are 29 counties that collectively have recorded 66 positive mosquito samples, 16 positive birds, and 3 positive sentinel samples. Currently, there are 5 human cases of West Nile Virus consisting of 3 females and 2 males with an average age of 50.

There has been one death reported, being a 73-year old man from York County.

For further information concerning our County West Nile Virus Surveillance Program, please contact Tom Murphy, County West Nile Virus Coordinator at 570-433-3040.

COUNTY OF LYCOMING WEST NILE VIRUS SCOREBOARD as of AUGUST 14, 2006

 

SURVEILLANCE TYPE	NUMBER COLLECTED	NUMBER TESTED	NUMBER POSITIVES
HUMANS	0	0	0
DEAD BIRDS	9	8	0
MOSQUITO (SAMPLES)	783	209	1
SENTINEL SAMPLES	144	132	0
VET SAMPLES	n/a	n/a	0

 

Mosquitoes identified at Lab (individual): 47,857 Mosquito Species identified: 27 Ochlerotatus trivittatus 29,533 Culex resturans 5,037 Aedes vexans 4,782 Culex pipiens 1,974 Ochlerotatus sticticus-trivittatus 1,511 Ae. – Oc. spp. 1,452 Ochlerotatus sticticus 1,087 Psorophora ferox 1,069 All others (19) 1,412

DEAD BIRDS SIGHTED AND REPORTED: 24

LYCOMING COUNTY MUNICIPALITY (+) BIRDS (+) MOSQUITOES (+) VET Woodward Township 0 1 0 TOTAL 0 1 0

Prepared by: Les Gruver, Lycoming County EMA Coordinator, 570-433-4461 Ext. 132.

August 16, 2006 - Lycoming County has just learned of the second "positive" mosquito sample so far this season in the County.

The latest "positive" mosquito sample was located in the City of Williamsport and had been collected on 8/1/2006.

The previous "positive" mosquito sample had been located in Woodward Township with a sample being taken the same day.

For additional information concerning the West Nile Virus Surveillance program in Lycoming County, please contact Tom Murphy, County WNV Coordinator at 570-433-3040.

August 15, 2006 - There has been only 1 "positive" mosquito sample in Lycoming County to date this year. Please keep in mind, however, the most active season for mosquitos is just approaching, that is, during the month of September through the first severe frost, usually in mid to late October.

Throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, there have been 4 "human" positive cases, with one being in Lancaster County and three recorded in York County. There have been 3 male and 1 female "positive" cases and the average age is 52 years old.

Tom Murphy and our county WNV surveillance team have been very busy collecting thousands of mosquitoes and conducting continuous spraying activities where indicated by high mosquito counts.  For questions related to the Lycoming County WNV Program, contact Tom Murphy at: 570-433-3040.

COUNTY OF LYCOMING WEST NILE VIRUS MULTI-YEAR SUMMARY

	TOTAL	TOTAL	TOTAL	TOTAL	TOTAL
AS OF	YEAR	YEAR	YEAR	YEAR	YEAR
July 11	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006
Collected
Dead Birds	43	15	5	1	7
Mosquito Samples	2,259	803	887	1,146	454
Sentinel Samples	n/a	264	276	264	84
Tested
Dead Birds	39	14	5	0	6
Mosquito Samples	1,362	373	266	346	81
Sentinel Samples	N/A	264	276	264	72
Positive
Dead Bird	20	9	0	0	0
Mosquito sample	84	16	1	23	0
Sentinel samples	n/a	0	0	0	0
Human	2	0	0	0	0
Mosquitoes identified at lab	12,394	46,565	22,236	27,162	25,811
Mosquito species identified	37	32	33	32	23
Dead Birds sighted and reported	n/a	182	59	31	18

NOTE: Data for the years 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 includes the entire calendar year.  Data for 2006 includes only samples processed until the date indicated.

COUNTY OF LYCOMING WEST NILE VIRUS SCOREBOARD as of JULY 11, 2006

 

Surveillance Type	#Collected	#Tested	#Positives
(DEP STATISTICS)
HUMANS	0	--	--
DEAD BIRDS	7	6	0
MOSQUITO SAMPLES	454	81	0
SENTINEL SAMPLES	84	72	0
VET SAMPLES	n/a	n/a	0

 

Mosquitoes identified at Lab (individual): 12,394 Mosquito Species identified: 23 Ochlerotatus trivittatus 6,424 Culex resturans 1,480 Aedes vexans 1,400 Ae. – Oc. spp. 1,222 Ochlerotatus sticticus-trivittatus 872 All others (18) 996

DEAD BIRDS SIGHTED AND REPORTED: 18

LYCOMING COUNTY MUNICIPALITY (+) BIRDS (+) MOSQUITOES (+) VET ___ ___ ___ ___ TOTAL 0 0 0

Prepared by: Les Gruver, Lycoming County EMA Coordinator, 570-433-4461 Ext. 132.

April 27, 2006 - The Pennsylvania Department of Health is releasing the following information in preparation for the beginning of the 2006 West Nile Virus season.   In 2005, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 2949 human cases and 116 deaths (as of February 14, 2006) of West Nile Virus in the United States.  In Pennsylvania, 25 human cases of West Nile Virus and two deaths (contributing factors) were reported to the Department of Health.  To date, the virus has been detected throughout the United States except in Alaska and Hawaii.  In Pennsylvania, 33 of the 67 counties had West Nile Virus detected either in birds, mosquito pools, sentinel chickens, horses or humans.  Some counties had positives in all surveillance areas.  Because these findings indicate ongoing and widening enzootic transmission, we need to be vigilant and prepared for the re-emergence of West Nile Virus as the adult mosquito season progresses.  As we enter a new mosquito season, Pennsylvania Department of Health wants to keep you apprised of our surveillance activities and how you can help the Commonwealth deal with th is emerging disease threat.

Questions you may have about the West Nile Virus

What is West Nile Virus?

West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne infection that can cause brain inflammation. The virus was previously only found in Africa, Eastern Europe and West Asia, but was detected in Pennsylvania for the first time in the year 2000. West Nile virus infection in people occurs primarily in the late summer or early fall. People can get infected from the bite of certain kinds of mosquitoes, such as the Northern house mosquito, that are infected with the virus. Mosquitoes get it when they bite or take a blood meal from birds infected with the West Nile virus. Those mosquitoes then transmit the virus to people, animals, and other birds when biting to take blood. You can reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and neighborhood by reducing the amount of standing water available for mosquito breeding.

What are the symptoms of West Nile?

The incubation period of a West Nile virus infection in humans is usually 5 to 15 days.  Most people who are infected by the West Nile Virus either have no symptoms or mild illness such as fever, headache, or body ache, before fully recovering.  Some people may also experience a mild skin rash, or swollen lymph glands.  A more severe infection may be marked by a severe headache, high fever, stiff-neck, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, paralysis, and occasionally death.

Who is at greatest risk?

All residents of areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk of getting West Nile.  People over age 50 have the highest risk of severe illness because of their weakening immune system, although anyone with a compromised immune system is at risk.  All who died in 1999 and 2000 were over 68 years of age.

What is the Treatment for WNV?

There is no vaccine to protect people from the West Nile encephalitis virus, nor is there a specific treatment, medication, or cure.  However, the symptoms and complications of the disease can be treated.  Severe cases may call for hospitalization, intravenous (IV) fluids and nutrition, airway management, ventilatory support, and prevention of secondary infections such as pneumonia.

What can I do to reduce the spread of the West Nile Virus?

Help reduce the number of mosquitoes in areas outdoors where you work or play, by draining sources of standing water. In this way, you reduce the number of places mosquitoes can lay their eggs and breed.

Where can I get mosquito control products?

Most hardware and chain home stores carry products for the homeowner, such as mosquito dunks or larviciding granules to put in areas of standing water.  These contain the bacteria Bti or Bs that inhibit the growth of the mosquito larvae and are environmentally safe to use.

More information can be obtained from the DOH website at: www.westnile.state.pa.us

DEAD BIRD REPORTING & MEDICAL INFORMATION

PA DOH (TOLL FREE)  1-877-PA HEALTH

STATE MOSQUITO SURVEILLANCE & PROGRAM INFORMATION

PA DEPT. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (DEP) 570-327-3636

LYCOMING COUNTY MOSQUITO SURVEILLANCE & PROGRAM INFORMATION

TOM MURPHY, WNV SURVEILLANCE TEAM COORDINATOR - 570-433-3040
CAROL LOVELAND, WNV HEAD TECHNICIAN – 570-433-3040
STEVE RYDER, WNV TECHNICIAN - 570-433-3040

Additional WNV information can be found at the following websites:

Center for Disease Control

• http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm

Federal Government

• Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• FDA West Nile Virus site
  • National Institutes of Health (NIH)
  • National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
    • NIAID Research on West Nile and Related Viruses
    • U.S. National Library of Medicine
    • MEDLINEplus
      • MEDLINEplus West Nile Virus page
• U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
  • APHIS West Nile Virus site
    • Summary of West Nile Virus in the United States, 1999
    • U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI)
    • U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
    • USGS West Nile Virus site
    • USGS Investigates West Nile Virus, Steps Up Bird Surveillance
    • USGS West Nile Virus Maps - 2001
  • National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC)
    • West Nile Virus Emerges in North America
    • Animal Species Testing Positive for West Nile Virus
  • National Atlas of the United States of America
    • West Nile Virus Maps, 2000
  • National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII)
    • NBII West Nile Virus site
    • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
    • Office of Pesticide Programs
    • Pesticides and Mosquito Control
    • Joint Statement on Mosquito Control in the United States from the EPA and CDC

State and Local Government

• See Links to State and Local Government Sites

Academic Institutions

• Cornell University Center for the Environment (CfE)
• Environmental Risk Analysis Program (ERAP)
• What's Going on with the West Nile Virus
• West Nile Virus Bibliography of Scientific Literature
• University of Florida: Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory
• Oregon State University: National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC)
• NPIC West Nile Virus Resource Guide
• University of Rhode Island
• Office of Mosquito Abatement Coordination
• Rhode Island's EEE and WNV Surveillance Update
• Rhode Island West Nile Virus fact sheet
• Virginia Tech University
• Virginia Tech West Nile Virus Information Page

Professional Associations

• American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA)
• New! Association of State and Territorial Health Officers(ASTHO)
• Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment (RISE)

Nongovernmental Organizations and Other Sites

• American Bird Conservancy (ABC)
  • Conservation Groups Fund Research for West Nile Virus Vaccine
• Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP)
  • West Nile Virus and other Mosquito Borne Infections (1.38 MB, 6 pages)
• Medscape
  • Medscape Resource Center: West Nile Encephalitis
• New York League of Conservation Voters
  • Fighting the West Nile Virus without spraying pesticides
• North American Butterfly Association (NABA)
  • Public Panic Over West Nile Virus
• UniSci Homepage
• Vads Corner West Nile Fever page
• WestNileFever.com
• Winged Wisdom Pet Bird Magazine - West Nile Virus Update

Click below for Lycoming County Archived WNV information:

2005 WNV ARCHIVE

2004 WNV ARCHIVE

2003 WNV ARCHIVE

2002 WNV ARCHIVE

OTHER WEB LINKS . . .

WEST NILE VIRUS: PROTECTING YOUR HORSES Website of the Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service. WNV and how it spreads, Clinical Signs of WNV in horses, Protecting your animals, suggested vaccination, and more!

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL & PREVENTION (CDC) Type in: WEST NILE VIRUS To search for related information.  This site has over 13,522 Docuemnts.

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE - More West Nile information with information on livestock (specifically equine) vulnerability from this illness.

Thanks to the PennState Agricultural Sciences for the WNV info. listed above

 

For more information contact:
Name:	Wendy S. Hastings
Title:	Director - LTS EMS Council
Email:	whastings@lyco.org
Voice:	PHONE: 570-433-4461
Fax:	FAX: 570-433-4435