State confirms 3rd West Nile case in Delaware, warns more could develop before season peaks

The state has confirmed the West Nile virus has hospitalized a third Delawarean, making health officials fear more infections to come because mosquito season has yet to peak. 

"It’s early in the season, and we still have another six weeks until we’re considered at the peak," said Dr. Karyl Rattay, director of the Division of Public Health. "A lot of people let their guard down after summer."

his is the highest number of West Nile cases in the past three years, officials said. The state believes there may be a fourth case, but is waiting for lab results to confirm.

Last year, only one West Nile case was confirmed, and that was in a Kent County woman. It was the first case in two years. The worst year that health officials could recall was 2012, when nine Delawareans were diagnosed with the virus. 

Symptoms in humans include headache, body aches, a skin rash on the chest or back and swollen lymph glands, health officials said. Those who experience these symptoms should see their doctor immediately.

The virus can be fatal. It is particularly hard on people who are older and have weaker immune systems. Nearly 80 percent of the people infected with the virus will not become ill. Less than 20 percent of people infected will develop West Nile Fever with mild symptoms. One of 150 people infected will develop a severe infection, which can include meningitis.

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 There are no human vaccines, but there are vaccines for horses.

Delaware's most recent confirmed case occurred in a 73-year-old New Castle County man, who has been hospitalized since late August. The other cases involved a 60-year-old Sussex County man and a 68-year-old New Castle County man.

Rattay said people who are older and have weaker immune systems tend to experiences the most serious consequences of the virus. 

The only way a person can get West Nile virus is if they are bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus, officials said. The best way to avoid this is by applying EPA-approved bug repellent and covering one's arms and legs when outside, she said. 

Delaware is one of 45 states to report West Nile infections in people, birds and mosquitoes this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than 230 cases have been reported nationwide. 

This summer, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has seen an increase in the virus found in wild birds and sentinel chickens, officials said. The large amount of rain Delaware experienced this spring and summer led to an increase in mosquito activity. 

This month, the Mosquito Control Section discovered the state's first eastern equine encephalitis positive sentinel chicken at a station in Sussex County. 

Equine encephalitis is more severe and rarer than West Nile, health officials said. The viruses are transmitted by mosquitoes typically in summer and fall, with the peak season spanning mid-August to mid-October.

The West Nile virus has also been confirmed in two Kent County horses. 

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Contact Meredith Newman at (302) 324-2386 or mnewman@delawareonline.com and on Twitter @MereNewman.