West Nile Virus confirmed in western Harris County

West Nile Virus confirmed in western Harris County
Officials target area for spray

By STEVE BREWER and LEIGH HOPPER
Copyright 2002 Houston Chronicle

The first confirmed case of West Nile virus in Texas was discovered in a dead blue jay in northwest Houston this week and officials warned residents Tuesday to take precautions against the potentially deadly mosquito-borne disease.

Health officials have been anticipating the disease's arrival for months. The first human case occurred in New York in 1999 and spread via migratory birds through dozens of states, infecting 66 people and killing nine. The most recent discovery was in Louisiana.

West Nile virus, closely related to the St. Louis encephalitis virus, can cause brain inflammation. There is no specific treatment other than managing symptoms with intravenous fluids, breathing support and other therapies.

People most at risk include the very old, the very young and those with weak immune systems. The virus also causes fatal disease in horses and several species of birds.

West Nile virus is transmitted when mosquitoes bite infected birds, become infected themselves, and bite people or animals.

The infected bird was found last week in a yard near the intersection of Gessner and Hammerly, approximately one mile from Addicks Reservoir and four miles from Bear Creek Park -- a popular recreational facility.

Local health and mosquito control departments said Tuesday that tests done at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston confirmed the finding late Monday.

The bird was among a dozen tested recently and the only one that tested positive so far. Ray Parsons, Harris County's mosquito control chief, said as many as four birds may also have tested positive, but those results will be confirmed today.

The county has been regularly testing birds and mosquitoes since the disease began to spread across the country.

"We now expect to see West Nile move around the county," Parsons said at a hastily called news conference late Tuesday.

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More info on WNV and your pets

What is West Nile Virus?
West Nile Virus (WNV) is one of the several mosquito-borne viruses in the United States that can affect people. The virus exists in nature primarily through a transmission cycle involving mosquitoes and birds. Mosquitoes become infected with WNV when they feed on infected birds.

Can I get West Nile Virus directly from birds?
No. There is not any evidence that a person can get WNV from handling live or dead infected birds. Still, dead birds should not be handled with bare hands. Always use gloves and double plastic bags to dispose of dead birds.

Can my pets get West Nile Virus from an infected bird?
There is not any documented evidence of this occurring, but it is possible if dogs or cats eat a dead infected bird that they may become infected as well.

Can my pets get West Nile Virus from a mosquito?
Yes. Dogs and cats can contract WNV from mosquito bites, just as humans. However, WNV does not appear to cause extensive illness in dogs or cats. Horses also become infected by the bite of an infectious mosquito and can become extremely ill and even die. You can contact your veterinarian about a newly licensed equine vaccine for areas where WNV is prevalent.

Can I get West Nile Virus from my pets?
West Nile Virus is transmitted from infected mosquitoes. There is not any documented evidence of animal-to-person, or even person-to-person, transmission. However, for infected horses normal veterinary infection control precautions should be followed. More information regarding West Nile Virus can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention West Nile Virus Homepage.