Rami Rihani, Pharm.D.,

Director of Pharmacy

Warmer temperatures in the summer months, along with significant rainfalls, bring mosquitoes and the possibility of more West Nile Virus (WNV) infections. What is WNV infection and why should I worry about it?

West Nile Virus infection in humans is the result of a bite from an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes get infected by biting birds that carry the virus. WNV is not spread from regular person to person contact or from birds or other animals to people. Although extremely rare, WNV has been transmitted from human to human through organ transplants, blood transfusions, breast-feeding, and through the birthing process.

Most people have no symptoms when infected with WNV. Some may experience mild illness, such as a fever and headache when they become infected. However, WNV can cause a serious neurological disorder called WNV encephalitis in some individuals, especially those age 50 and older and those who have weak immune systems. Encephalitis can cause permanent neurological (brain or nervous system) damage and can be fatal. Symptoms of more severe disease include a rapid onset of high fevers, rash, eye irritation, stiff neck, disorientation, muscle weakness, tremors, convulsions, or coma. Symptoms generally occur three to fifteen days following the bite of an infected mosquito.

In Illinois, WNW was first identified in September 2001 in two dead crows found in the Chicago area. The first human cases and deaths from WNV were recorded the following year. By the end of 2002, Illinois had more human cases (884) and deaths (67) than any other state in the nation. In 2003, the number of WNV cases in Illinois fell dramatically to 54 reported and only one death. 2004 was slightly higher than the previous year with 60 reported cases and four deaths. In 2005, Illinois counted 252 cases with 13 deaths. There have been no reported cases of WNV in Illinois in 2006, although there is limited WNV activity in western states bordering Illinois.

Illinois communities have taken special precautions to limit the number of mosquitoes in our areas. However, there are some simple steps that individuals can take to limit WNV and other mosquito-borne illnesses.

• Use insect repellents when spending time outdoors. Insect repellents are safe and effective at limiting mosquito bites. Visit this website for more information on the proper use of insect repellents: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/insect_repellent.htm
• Mosquitoes are most active from dusk to dawn. Pay special attention to using appropriate protection during these hours, or avoid being outdoors.
• Reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home by eliminating standing water. Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so check your yard regularly and get rid of containers that aren't being used, empty water from flower pots, change water in bird baths, and maintain clean gutters.

Additional information about West Nile Virus can be found at the following websites:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm
http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/wnv.htm
http://www.kanehealth.com/west_nile.htm