82nd MDG releases West Nile Virus public health bulletin

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  • By Staff Reports
  • 82nd Medical Group
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The 82nd Medical Group issued a public health bulletin Sep. 11th, specifically addressing the West Nile Virus and the potential impact at Sheppard.

As of Sep. 10, the city of Wichita Falls had two confirmed cases of the West Nile fever, while Sheppard had no confirmed cases of the virus or fever. The base did report two probable cases of West Nile fever.

In the state of Texas, there have been 1,092 cases, with 536 cases of West Nile Neuro-invasive disease, 556 cases of West Nile Fever and 47 deaths.

Confirmed cases have been identified through laboratory testing, while probable cases have not been confirmed through the lab testing.

Preventative measures being taken by the base, along with the Wichita Falls Public Health District, include applying larvacide to reduce mosquito larvae and adult mosquito population.

Sheppard last sprayed on Aug. 29, with no adult mosquitos with the virus being found. Collection and testing of mosquitos will continue on the base.

According to the public health bulletin, there are different ways the human body can be affected by the virus, ranging from simple fever and body aches to neurological symptoms that could become permanent.

The West Nile Virus is a virus that can infect humans, birds, mosquitoes, horses and some other mammals. It can potentially cause serious and prolonged illness, and in rare cases, death. The virus is transmitted by mosquito bites, not person to person, so it is not contagious.

Currently there is no medication available to treat the virus.

West Nile Fever can last a few days to several weeks, highlighted by high fever, headaches and body aches.

The West Nile Neuro-invasive disease can cause serious neurologicial symptoms that can last weeks and could be permanent. Typically this develops in one of every 150 people who are infected.

Only about 20 percent of those infected develop noticeable symptoms, with fever, headache and fatigue being the most frequent. Weakness, seizures, mental slowness and coordination difficulty can indicate a severe case.

Health authorities highly encourage people to apply DEET-based insect repellant to exposed body parts while outdoors, avoiding outdoor activity at dawn and dusk and wearing long sleeves and pants while outdoors.

For more information on the West Nile Virus, click here.