MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. (WKRG) — The first human case of West Nile Virus this year has been reported in Mobile County.
From the Mobile County Health Department:
“Earlier this week, it was announced a positive test result had come back for West Nile Virus (WNV) in the community. Because of a miscommunication issue, it was initially announced this was part of the sentinel chicken program used by the Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) to detect mosquito-borne diseases.
However, in fact this involved the first human case reported in Mobile County this year. Because of patient privacy rights under the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), no additional identifying information will be made available to the public.
The actual test results for the sentinel chicken program have now been received. Hens in an additional five chicken coops have been diagnosed with WNV. The coops were in the following ZIP Codes: 36521, 36528, 36560, 36575 and 36587.
Last week, seven ZIP Codes were reported as having hens test positive for WNV. During all of 2017, there was one human case reported while the total number of ZIP Codes testing positive was four.
“The public should assume that there are mosquitoes carrying the disease throughout Mobile County,” Dr. Bernard H. Eichold II, Health Officer for Mobile County said. “Don’t let your guard down.”
Humans with WNV and other mosquito-borne diseases often have symptoms of high fever, severe headache, nausea, stiff neck, confusion, muscle weakness, paralysis, disorientation, and seizures that are severe enough to require medical attention, Dr. Eichold said. In rare cases, WNV can cause coma or death. The seriousness of an illness may depend on a person’s health and age.
The risk of encephalitis spread by mosquitoes is highest from August through the first freeze in the fall, Dr. Eichold said. Jerry Folse, the director of MCHD’s Vector Services, said his department will increase spraying and conduct door-to-door surveys in the immediate areas. Inspectors will also attempt to trap adult mosquitoes and test them for the presence of WNV.
Health officials warn that it is extremely important that people taking part in outdoor activities make every effort to reduce their exposure to mosquitoes and should always keep mosquito repellent with them when outdoors. Mosquito activity peaks at dusk and again at dawn.
WNV is transmitted from bird to mosquito to bird. Mosquitoes can spread these viruses by feeding on the blood of infected birds and then biting another host animal or mammal such as a human or a horse.
Although humans and horses can become ill from the infection, the disease cannot be spread from people or horses. The likelihood of transmission to humans and horses can be decreased by personal mosquito avoidance and the use of WNV and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) vaccines in horses. There are no WNV or EEE vaccines available for humans.
To report an issue with mosquitoes, call 251-690-8124 or email VectorServices@mchd.org. To learn more, please visit http://mchd.org and under “Services” select “Vector Control.””
