Media Release

For: Immediate Release
Date: September 16, 2005
Contact: Robert J. Marshall Jr., Ph.D. 401-222-1017

HEALTH Reports First Human Case of West Nile Virus in 2005

Today, the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) announced confirmation of the state's first human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) since 2003. The case of WNV occurred in a 65 year old male from Providence who is recovering at home. Exposure to a WNV-infected mosquito occurred sometime between sometime between August 14 and August 26, 2005, with a 3 to 15 day period between exposure and illness. The patient did not travel out of state during this time, for any significant length of time.

This is the 8 th human case of WNV in RI since monitoring began in 2000. The Department of Health Laboratory confirmed West Nile Virus from this person on 9/16/05. Confirmation of the disease as WNV does not materially affect the type of treatment a patient receives.

"With EEE and WNV now in the area, everyone, particularly the elderly, needs to take prevention measures extra seriously during mosquito season", said David R. Gifford, MD, MPH, Director of the RI Department of Health. "We first detected WNV in birds during the summer of 2000. Since that time, DEM distributed larvicide to the cities and towns each year and together with HEALTH actively monitored for WNV in birds, mosquitoes and humans finding our first human case in August 2002. Personal protection is still the best and most effective way to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses."

Personal protection includes:

• Use insect repellent (30% DEET or less) regularly when outside (age 2 and over)
• Use cover-up clothing (long sleeves and pants) outside especially at dawn or dusk when mosquitoes bite
• Use mosquito nets over baby carriages and playpens outside. Do not use insect repellent on infants
• Keep screen doors and windows in good repair

This case represents the first, confirmed human WNV case in the state for 2005. All mosquito pools tested negative for WNV and EEE this year. One horse ¾ stabled in Lincoln Woods State Park and euthanized in August ¾ tested positive for EEE. As of September 6, 2005 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 821 human WNV cases in 32 states with 18 deaths occurred nationwide during 2005. Since 2000, RI reported 7 previous human WNV cases (1-2002; 6-2003) with 1 death resulting (2003). Onset of illness generally ranges from early July to the end of season, usually in October or when the first hard frost occurs.

In response to this case, DEM will intensify mosquito testing throughout the state. HEALTH continues to monitor closely for other possible human cases with local hospitals and infectious disease experts. Officials do not plan to recommend insecticide spraying or restrictions on outdoor activities in the current situation.

Human WNV happens only after a bite from an infected mosquito. It is not possible to get WNV directly from birds or from person to person contact. Most human cases of WNV are mild. Symptoms include fever, headache and body aches occasionally with skin rash and swollen glands. More serious infections involve headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, and muscle weakness. In less than 1% of cases the illness progresses to stupor, convulsions and coma. There is no known treatment for WNV. Rhode Islanders experiencing any of these symptoms, particularly following mosquito bites, should contact their doctor or personal health care provider. For general information about WNV in Rhode Island, the public go to the HEALTH website at www.HEALTH.ri.gov.