One Case ofWest Nile Virus Confirmed
Test results from the Centresfor Disease Control in the US have confirmed that the viral encephalitiscase recently reported in the Cayman Islands was caused by theWest Nile Virus.
"This is the first known case in the Cayman Islands and indeedin the Caribbean," said Medical Officer of Health, Dr. KiranKumar. "All doctors are being advised of the test resultsand if there are any additional cases, our health care facilitiesare equipped to handle any case. However, there are no new suspectedcases."
West Nile Virus is spread to humans by the bite of infected mosquitoes.Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds, whichmay circulate the virus in their blood for a few days. Infectedmosquitoes can then bite and transmit the virus to humans andanimals.
Occasionally, the virus causes meningoencephalitis an infectionof the brain, spinal columns and their coverings, Dr. Kumar explained.In rare instances, West Nile Virus can cause death. However, itcannot be directly transmitted from one person to another, andso the Cayman Brac man who contracted the illness is no dangerto the public, he emphasised. Mosquitoes also cannot bite himand subsequently transmit the virus to another human.
"It is possible that infected migratory birds were responsiblefor the introduction of West Nile into the Cayman Islands,"he noted. "The Mosquito and Research Control Unit (MRCU)is testing mosquitoes and the Department of Agriculture is preparedto test dead birds and animals if any are found. Public and privatehealth practitioners are also on the watch for encephalitis casesin humans."
Considering the location of the confirmed case, and also thatmosquitoes are the prime transmitter of the virus, Deputy Directorof MRCU David Malone said that 10 mosquito samples have been testedin Cayman Brac. As a precaution, one sample was tested in GrandCayman. All were negative for the virus. He added that testingis ongoing and routine monitoring procedures are being developed.Meanwhile, members of the public are asked to contact the Departmentof Agriculture if they find birds that died mysteriously, saidVeterinary Officer Dr. Mark Trotman.
In humans, Dr. Kumar said that most individuals infected withthe West Nile Virus would not have symptoms. Those that do willusually experience a combination of mild indications includingfever, headache, body aches, a skin rash and swollen lymph glands.These symptoms generally appear three to 15 days following thebite of an infected mosquito.
Fewer than one percent of persons exposed to the virus will developmore severe infections, with additional symptoms such as severeheadaches, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation,coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis.
Persons older than 50 years, as well as individuals whose immunesystems are compromised, have the highest risk of developing themore severe disease.
The Cayman Brac man was admitted into the Cayman Islands Hospitalduring the last week in August. He has since been released andis now recovering at home.
However, Dr. Kumar reiterated that West Nile Virus, detected inthe Western Hemisphere in 1999 with a confirmed case in New YorkCity, is a rare illness. "Various government agencies Health Services, MRCU, and the departments of Agriculture andEnvironmental Health are monitoring the situation and willensure appropriate measures are taken for its containment,"he said.
"We are asking residents to do their part by following preventativemeasures."
How to Prevent West Nile Virus
· Avoid areas of high mosquito infestation
· Avoid unnecessary outdoor activities at dawn and dusk,when mosquitoes are most active
· Wear light-coloured clothing, long pants, long-sleevedshirts and hats when outdoors
· Use mosquito repellents such as OFF!, according to productdirections
· Clean rain gutters to allow water to flow freely
· Remove old tires or drill drainage holes in tires usedin playground equipment
· Turn over wheelbarrows, wagons and carts when you arenot using them
· Twice a week, flush water from the bottom of plant holders
· Make sure that trash cans are empty of water