US West Nile 2013: 119 fatalities

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: US West Nile 2013: 6 fatalities

2nd West Nile virus death reported in Mississippi
Posted: Aug 06, 2013 4:48 PM EDT
Updated: Aug 06, 2013 4:59 PM EDT
By Ashli Blow - email
Edited by Kelsey Jacobson - email


MISSISSIPPI -
(WMC-TV) - The Mississippi State Department of Health is reporting a second death from the West Nile virus, along with four new human cases.

Health officials said in a news release Tuesday that the death occurred in Bolivar County and the new reported cases occurred in Forrest, Hinds, and Rankin counties.

These new reported cases bring the state total for 2013 to 12 cases with two deaths.
...

http://www.wmctv.com/story/23061749/miss-health-officials-report-second-west-nile-virus-death

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: US West Nile 2013: 7 fatalities

Mississippi Health Officials Report Second West Nile Virus Death of 2013
August 6, 2013

JACKSON, Miss. ? Today the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) reports the second West Nile virus (WNV) death for 2013, along with four new human cases. The death occurred in Bolivar County, and the new reported cases occurred in Forrest, Hinds and Rankin counties. These new reported cases bring the state total for 2013 to 12 cases, with two deaths.


So far this year, cases have been reported in Forrest (3), Lincoln, Lowndes, Madison, Montgomery, Wayne, LeFlore, Bolivar, Hinds and Rankin counties. The MSDH only reports laboratory-confirmed cases to the public. In 2012, Mississippi had 247 WNV cases and five deaths.

"We want to remind residents we are now in peak West Nile season, and regardless of specific county reports, West Nile virus is active throughout the entire state at this point,? said Dr. Paul Byers, MSDH Deputy State Epidemiologist. "This is when we can expect to see the bulk of our cases so it is very important to be especially mindful of taking proper protective measures now."

Mississippians should take appropriate precautions to reduce the risk of contracting WNV and other mosquito-borne illnesses year-round: remove sources of standing water, especially after rainfall; and if you will be in mosquito-prone areas, wear protective clothing (such as long-sleeved shirts and pants) during peak times from dusk until dawn, and use a recommended mosquito repellent according to manufacturer?s directions.

Symptoms of WNV infection are often mild and may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, a rash, muscle weakness or swollen lymph nodes. In a small number of cases, infection can result in encephalitis or meningitis, which can lead to paralysis, coma and possibly death.

For more information on WNV and other mosquito-borne illnesses, a checklist to reduce the mosquito population in and around homes, and recommended mosquito repellents, visit the MSDH website at www.HealthyMS.com/westnile or call the WNV toll-free hotline from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1-877-WST-NILE (1-877-978-6453).

http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/23,14138,341.html

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: US West Nile 2013: 7 fatalities

Colorado:
West Nile virus 'escalating rapidly,' with 12 human infections in Larimer County
Aug. 9, 2013 | 3 Comments

Written by
Robert Allen

A ?rapid increase? this week in reported human cases of West Nile virus in Larimer County has health officials advising people to beware of mosquitoes carrying the potentially devastating disease, according to Larimer County health department.

Twelve residents have been infected, and four of them are showing symptoms such as meningitis, encephalitis and paralysis. Three people in Fort Collins and one in Loveland are showing the severe symptoms, according to the health department.

Cases are expected to rise.
...

http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20130809/NEWS01/308090024/West-Nile-virus-escalating-rapidly-12-human-infections-Larimer-County

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: US West Nile 2013: 7 fatalities

Minn. reports 1st West Nile death of 2013
by Lorna Benson, Minnesota Public Radio
August 12, 2013

ST. PAUL, Minn. ? Minnesota has recorded its first death from West Nile virus this summer.

Department of Health epidemiologist Dave Neitzel said an elderly man developed a fatal case of encephalitis last month after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

"This is a patient that lived in the more open, agricultural part of Minnesota, which is typically our highest risk area for West Nile virus. The mosquito that does most of the virus transmission is a mosquito that really likes that open farm country," Neitzel said.
...

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2013/08/12/health/west-nile-death

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: US West Nile 2013: 8 fatalities

For Immediate Release: Media Contact: David Morgan
August 13, 2013 Phone: (575) 528-5197

Department of Health Announces First West Nile Death of 2013

Two Cases from Curry County Confirmed

(Santa Fe) The New Mexico Department of Health announced today that an 83-year-old man from Curry County has died from West Nile Virus infection. This is the first fatality due to West Nile Virus in New Mexico in 2013. The man had encephalitis, the more severe clinical form of the disease, and had been hospitalized. A second case, also from Curry County, was confirmed in a 66-year-old woman. She had the less severe West Nile fever, was not hospitalized, and is recovering.

?We extend our sympathy to this man?s family and friends,? said Secretary of Health Retta Ward, MPH. ?We all need to avoid mosquito bites as best as possible, especially people older than 60, who are at most at risk for developing serious complications from the disease.?

Common West Nile Virus symptoms are fever, nausea, headache, and muscle aches. In rare cases, West Nile Virus can cause meningitis or encephalitis. If someone has these symptoms, they should see their health care provider. People older than 60 are at most risk for serious disease from West Nile Virus.

?Mosquito populations are high throughout the state due to the large amounts of rainfall; and everyone should assume that some of these mosquitoes are carrying West Nile Virus,? said Dr. Paul Ettestad, the Department?s public health veterinarian.

To protect yourself from West Nile:
? Use insect repellent on exposed skin and clothing when you go outdoors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 for use on skin, and permethrin for use on clothing. Always follow label directions when using insect repellents.
? When weather permits, wear protective clothing such as loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks.
? The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for mosquitoes. Take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing, or avoid outdoor activities during these times.
? Eliminate water-holding containers where mosquitoes lay their eggs, such as old tires, and regularly change the water in birdbaths, wading pools and pet water bowls. Make sure rain barrels are tightly screened.
? Keep windows and doors closed if not screened. If you leave your house doors or windows open, make sure they have screens that fit tightly and have no holes.

http://www.health.state.nm.us/CommunicationsOffice/2013%20News%20Releases/NMDOH-PressRelease-20130813-WestNile-EN.pdf

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: US West Nile 2013: 9 fatalities

This is, I believe, the second WNV-related fatality in ND this year. A 58 yo farmer died in February. He had been infected in August 2012. See post #8 on page 1 for further details. - Ro


For Immediate Release: For More Information, Contact:
Aug. 13, 2013 Alicia Lepp or Michelle Feist
North Dakota Department of Health
Phone: 701.328.2378
E-mail: alepp@nd.gov
mafeist@nd.gov

North Dakota Reports First West Nile Virus-Related Death in 2013

BISMARCK, N.D. ? The North Dakota Department of Health today announced the state?s first West Nile virus-related death in 2013, according to West Nile Virus Program manager Michelle Feist. The individual was a woman who resided in the southeastern region of North Dakota and was older than 60 years of age. The woman did not have any underlying health conditions.
Today?s report brings the total number of cases in North Dakota this season to16, including one death.

?This unfortunate death is a reminder of the seriousness of West Nile virus, especially to those older than 50 and those with other medical conditions,? said Feist. ?North Dakotans should continue to take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites to prevent West Nile virus.?

To reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes that may carry West Nile virus, the state health department recommends the following protective measures:
 Use insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, IR 3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or permethrin when outdoors. Always follow the directions on the manufacturer?s label.
 Limit outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most likely to bite.
 When possible, wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts while outside.
 Eliminate stagnant water and leaf debris in containers around homes where mosquitoes can lay their eggs (e.g., buckets, flowerpots, old tires, wading pools and birdbaths).
 Keep mosquitoes from entering your home by repairing screens in windows and doors.
 Keep the grass around your home trimmed.
...

http://www.ndhan.gov/data/mrNews/First%20WNV%20Human%20Death_08132013.pdf

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: US West Nile 2013: 10 fatalities

As of August 13th, One hundred and seventy-four human cases of WNV have been reported in twenty-four states. Alabama (1), Arizona (8), California (18), Colorado (22), Georgia (2), Idaho (3), Indiana (1), Iowa (3), Kansas (1), Louisiana (7), Michigan (1), Minnesota (18), Mississippi (12), Nebraska (4), Nevada (7), New Mexico (3), New York (2), North Dakota (13), South Dakota (35), Tennessee (1), Texas (8), Washington (1), Wisconsin (1) and Wyoming (2). Eighty-one cases (46.6%) were neuroinvasive. Seven fatalities have been reported. Arizona (1), California (2), Minnesota (1), Mississippi (1), Nevada (1), New Mexico (1).

http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/statsMaps/preliminaryMapsData/histatedate.html

Non-human West Nile virus infections have been reported to CDC ArboNET from the following states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/statsMaps/preliminaryMapsData/activitystatedate.html

By August 14th 2012, CDC had reported 693 cases, 26 fatal in 32 states.

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: US West Nile 2013: 10 fatalities

HUMAN CASES
YTD: 37 Counties: 16
There were 19 new WNV human cases reported in California this week from the following counties: Colusa (1), Glenn (1), Kern (2), Los Angeles (8), Orange (1), Riverside (1), San Joaquin (2), Santa Clara (1), Stanislaus (1), and Ventura (1). These are the first WNV human cases from Colusa, Kern, Orange, San Joaquin, Santa Clara, Stanislaus, and Ventura counties this year.
3 WNV-related fatalities have been reported in 2013 from (1) Glenn, (1) Los Angeles, and (1) Sacramento counties.

37 human cases from 16 counties have tested positive for WNV in 2013.

http://westnile.ca.gov/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release # 2013 ? 010
CONTACT for this Release:
Krista Dommer
Office Phone: (209) 468-3571
Email: kdommer@sjcphs.org
Karen Furst, M.D., M.P.H.
Health Officer
Cora Hoover, M.D., M.P.H
Assistant Health Officer

PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS REPORT FIRST WEST NILE VIRUS-RELATED
DEATH IN SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY FOR 2013
STOCKTON, CA (August 15, 2013) ? San Joaquin County Public Health Services is reporting a
case West Nile Virus (WNV) related death of an 83 year-old woman from Stockton. The last
reported WNV - related death in San Joaquin County (SJC) was in 2007.
"We want to remind the public that although the risk of death from West Nile Virus is low,
this unfortunate death reminds us that we must protect ourselves from mosquito bites to
prevent West Nile Virus infection,? Dr. Karen Furst, Health Officer said.
WNV is transmitted to humans and animals through a mosquito bite. Mosquitoes become
infected when they feed on infected birds. The risk of serious illness to most people is low.
However, some individuals ? less than 1 percent of those infected ? will develop serious
neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis.
Individuals 50 years of age and older have a higher chance of getting sick and are more likely
to develop serious symptoms. Studies also show that those people with diabetes and/or
hypertension are at greater risk for serious illness.
The most effective way for individuals to prevent exposure to mosquito bites and West Nile virus
is to remember the ?Four D?s?:
1. DEET ? Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR
3535 according to label instructions to keep mosquitoes from biting you. Apply
repellents only to exposed skin and/or clothing. DEET can be used safely on infants and
children 2 months of age and older (www.cdc.gov/westnile/faq/repellent.html).
2. DAWN AND DUSK ? Mosquitoes that carry WNV tend to bite in the early morning and
evening so it is important to wear repellent at this time. Make sure your doors and
windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens
with tears or holes.

http://www.sjcphs.org/assets/2013_010%20Update%20PHS%20News%20Release_%20FIRST%20WEST%20NILE%20VIRUS-RELATED%20DEATH%20IN%20SJC%20THIS%20YEAR%20%208-15-13.pdf

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: US West Nile 2013: 12 fatalities

PO Box 360
Trenton, NJ 08625-0360

For Release:
August 16, 2013
Mary E. O'Dowd, M.P.H.
Commissioner

For Further Information Contact:
Office of Communications
(609) 984-7160

First Case Of West Nile Virus Confirmed In New Jersey
The Department of Health announced today the state's first case of West Nile Virus and reminds residents to take steps to protect themselves against mosquito bites and to help limit the mosquito population by removing standing water from their properties.

A 55-year old male from Burlington County developed symptoms of the disease on August 5, including fever, muscle weakness, vomiting and dizziness. He was hospitalized and now is at home recovering. He was exposed while gardening and conducting other outdoor activities around his home.

West Nile Virus has been identified among mosquitos in all New Jersey counties except Cumberland and Salem.

"Most human cases of West Nile virus typically appear from August through October, and residents should be careful to protect themselves by using insect repellant and staying inside during dawn and dusk when mosquitos are most active," said New Jersey Health Commissioner Mary E. O'Dowd.

Additional protection measures include:

Maintaining screen doors and windows
Using insect netting on infant carriers and strollers
Wearing long sleeves and pants whenever possible
2012 was the most active West Nile Virus season in the state's history with 48 cases and six fatalities. Three of the 48 cases from last year were reported from Burlington County, including one fatality. In 2011, there were seven cases and no fatalities. In 2010, there were 30 cases and two fatalities.

"Superstorm Sandy has created many new places for mosquitos to breed, including depressions left by fallen trees and the Department is asking residents to take steps to help limit the mosquito population on their properties by removing standing water where mosquitos may breed." noted O'Dowd.

Tips to limit standing water include:

Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers that have accumulated on your property
Pay special attention to discarded tires that may have accumulated. The used tire has become the most important domestic mosquito producer in this country
Drill holes in the bottom and elevate recycling containers that are left outdoors
Clean clogged roof gutters on an annual basis, particularly if the leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to plug up the drains. Roof gutters are easily overlooked but can produce millions of mosquitoes each season
Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use. A wading pool becomes a mosquito producer if it is not used on a regular basis
Turn over wheelbarrows and do not allow water to stagnate in bird baths
Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used. A swimming pool that is left untended can produce enough mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide complaints. Be aware mosquitoes may even breed in the water that collects on pool covers
Many people infected with West Nile Virus do not become ill and may not develop symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may be mild or severe and show up three to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Mild symptoms include flu-like illness with fever, headache, body aches, nausea and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Severe symptoms include high fever, neck stiffness and swelling of the brain (encephalitis or meningitis) which can lead to coma, convulsions and death.

If a person thinks they may have WNV infection, they should visit their health care provider for further evaluation and potential testing for WNV. There is no treatment for WNV, and mild to moderate infections usually resolve within 7 to 10 days. More severe infections may require hospitalization and supportive treatment.

Earlier this year the Department launched a public awareness campaign alerting people to the dangers of West Nile Virus. The public service announcement and other WNV information is available on the Department's Sandy recovery website at: http://www.state.nj.us/health/er/hur...esources.shtml

For more information on West Nile Virus, please visit: http://www.state.nj.us/health/cd/westnile or http://www.nj.gov/dep/mosquito.

http://www.phillyburbs.com/00redesign/news/nj-officials-burlco-man-first-in-state-to-be-diagnosed/article_064232c0-fe39-54e8-8dd5-484de20a25ca.html

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: US West Nile 2013: 12 fatalities

As of August 20th, Two hundred and ninety-six human cases of WNV have been reported in twenty-seven states. Alabama (1), Arizona (9), Arkansas (1), California (59), Colorado (36), Georgia (2), Idaho (5), Indiana (1), Iowa (3), Kansas (2), Louisiana (8), Michigan (4), Minnesota (24), Mississippi (15), Nebraska (13), Nevada (7), New Jersey (1), New Mexico (3), New York (2), North Dakota (23), Oregon (1), South Dakota (52), Tennessee (3), Texas (13), Washington (1), Wisconsin (2) and Wyoming (5). One hundred and forty-five cases (49.0&#37 were neuroinvasive. Eleven fatalities have been reported. Arizona (1), California (4), Minnesota (1), Mississippi (1), Nevada (1), New Mexico (1), North Dakota (1), South Dakota (1).

http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/statsMaps/preliminaryMapsData/histatedate.html

Non-human West Nile virus infections have been reported to CDC ArboNET from the following states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/statsMaps/preliminaryMapsData/activitystatedate.html

By August 21st 2012, 1,118 cases had been reported from 37 states with 41 fatalities.

[Missouriwatcher]

Re: US West Nile 2013: 12 fatalities

As of August 20, 2013, 43 states and the District of Columbia have reported West Nile virus infections in people, birds, or mosquitoes. A total of 296 cases of West Nile virus disease in people, including 11 deaths, have been reported to CDC. Of these, 145 (49%) were classified as neuroinvasive disease (such as meningitis or encephalitis) and 151 (51%) were classified as non-neuroinvasive disease.

http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/statsMaps/preliminaryMapsData/index.html

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: US West Nile 2013: 12 fatalities

For the record, the 12th fatality is 58yo Kim Rath who died Feb 8th in North Dakota after suffering for 6 months from encephalitis & paralysis resulting from West Nile infection. He was infected in August 2012. For whatever reason, he is not counted as a 2013 West Nile fatality. See post #8 above.

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: US West Nile 2013: 12 fatalities

West Nile virus claims life of Firestone man
By Whitney Bryen Longmont Times-Call
POSTED: 08/26/2013 11:38:24 AM MDT | UPDATED: ABOUT 11 HOURS AGO

Editor's note: The original version of this article stated that Jack Mitchell was a Longmont resident. Mitchell was a Firestone resident who owned a business in the Longmont and had lived in the city for many years.

LONGMONT -- A Firestone resident is the first in the state to die from West Nile virus this year, said Mark Salley, a Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment spokesman.

Jack Mitchell, 81, went to the Longmont United Hospital emergency room Aug. 17 with a fever and died Sunday from West Nile meningitis and encephalitis, according to his family.
...

http://www.timescall.com/longmont-local-news/ci_23946627/west-nile-virus-claims-life-longmont-man

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: US West Nile 2013: 13 fatalities

As of August 27th, Four hundred and twenty-one human cases of WNV have been reported in thirty-five states. Alabama (3), Arizona (9), Arkansas (2), California (87), Colorado (72), Florida (1), Georgia (2), Idaho (6), Illinois (1), Indiana (1), Iowa (3), Kansas (2), Louisiana (10), Maryland (3), Michigan (5), Minnesota (26), Mississippi (19), Nebraska (19), Nevada (7), New Jersey (2), New Mexico (3), New York (2), North Dakota (30), Ohio (3), Oklahoma (2), Oregon (1), Pennsylvania (3), South Dakota (61), Tennessee (4), Texas (20), Utah (1), Vermont (1), Washington (1), Wisconsin (2) and Wyoming (7). One hundred and ninety-seven cases (46.8%) were neuroinvasive. Thirteen fatalities have been reported. Arizona (1), California (5), Colorado (1), Minnesota (1), Mississippi (1), Nevada (1), New Mexico (1), North Dakota (1), South Dakota (1).

http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/statsMaps/preliminaryMapsData/histatedate.html

Non-human West Nile virus infections have been reported to CDC ArboNET from the following states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/statsMaps/preliminaryMapsData/activitystatedate.html

HUMAN CASES
YTD: 87 Counties: 23
There were 28 new WNV human cases reported in California this week from the following counties: Butte (5), El Dorado (1), Glenn (1), Kern (2), Los Angeles (9), Marin (1), Napa (1), Riverside (1), San Bernardino (1), San Francisco (1), Stanislaus (2), Sutter (2), and Yolo (1). These are the first WNV human cases from Marin, Napa, and San Bernardino counties this year. This is the first indication of WNV from El Dorado and San Francisco counties this year.
5 WNV-related fatalities have been reported in 2013 from (1) Glenn, (2) Los Angeles, (1) Sacramento, and (1) San Joaquin counties.

87 human cases from 23 counties have tested positive for WNV in 2013.

http://westnile.ca.gov/

By August 28th 2012, 1,590 cases had been reported from 42 states with 65 fatalities.

[Missouriwatcher]

Re: US West Nile 2013: 14 fatalities

Kansas (Sedgwick County) has reported its first West Nile death according to The Wichita Eagle. (There have been four cases so far this year.) http://www.kansas.com/2013/08/29/297...ile-virus.html