Tests Confirm Pennsylvania's First Human Case of West Nile Virus for 2008

HARRISBURG, Pa., July 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- State Health Secretary Dr.
Calvin B. Johnson today reported this year's first confirmed human case of
West Nile virus in Pennsylvania. The individual, a 27-year-old Montgomery
County female, is recovering and has been discharged from the hospital.

"Every case of human infection from West Nile is a reminder that we can take
precautions to help reduce the risk of illness," Dr. Johnson said. "The chance
of contracting West Nile virus from an infected mosquito is small, and your
chances of becoming seriously ill are even smaller. However, it is important
to remember that everyone - particularly older adults and people with
compromised immune systems - should take simple steps to reduce their risk."

Johnson recommended these simple precautions to prevent mosquito bites,
particularly for those most at risk:

-- Make sure screens fit tightly over doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out
of your home;
-- When possible, reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk, the times of day
when the mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus are most active, during the
warmer months of the year (usually April through October);
-- Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors,
particularly at dawn and dusk, or in areas known for having large numbers of
mosquitoes;
-- Use insect repellents according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Effective repellents contain DEET. Consult a doctor if you have concerns about
the use of repellent on young children, as repellent is not recommended for
children under the age of two months. Two other insect repellants, Picaridin
(KBR 3023) and oil of lemon eucalyptus, a plant based repellent, were tested
against mosquitoes and provided protection similar to repellents with low
concentrations of DEET.

Pennsylvanians also can reduce the risk of West Nile virus by eliminating the
places where mosquitoes breed. Mosquitoes can breed in standing water that is
present for four or more days.

"We encourage the public to do its part to help control the population of
mosquitoes that could carry the West Nile virus," said DEP Acting Secretary
Joseph Powers. "To protect yourself and your family, eliminate any standing
water on your property where mosquitoes can breed. Remember: dump it, drain
it, treat it."

Powers suggested some simple steps that can be taken around the house:

-- Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, discarded tires, or
any object on your property that could collect standing water.
-- Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors.
-- Have roof gutters cleaned every year, particularly if the leaves from
nearby trees have a tendency to clog the drains.
-- Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
-- Don't let water stagnate in birdbaths.
-- Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.
-- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools and remove standing water from pool
covers.
-- Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.
-- Standing water that cannot be eliminated should be treated with Bti
products, which are sold at outdoor supply, home improvement, and other
stores. Bti is a naturally occurring bacterium that kills mosquito larvae but
is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.

West Nile virus is spread to people and animals by infected mosquitoes.
Usually, the infection does not result in any illness. Older adults and
persons with compromised immune systems are at greatest risk of becoming ill
after a West Nile infection.

The disease can take two forms. The milder form is known as West Nile fever.
In addition to fever, people with this form of the disease may also experience
headache, body aches, skin rash, and swollen lymph glands. The more severe
form of West Nile infection is known as encephalitis (an inflammation of the
brain). People with encephalitis may experience high fever, headache, neck
stiffness, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis, and coma. Dr.
Johnson advises anyone with any of these symptoms to immediately contact their
health care provider.

There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus. For severe cases,
hospitalization is needed and illness can be associated with long-term
disabilities and death.

Since West Nile was first identified in Pennsylvania in 2000, the virus has
been found in all areas of the state and has returned each summer.
Pennsylvanians should presume that West Nile virus is present throughout the
state during the warmer periods of the year and should take appropriate
precautions.

In 2007, there were 10 human cases of West Nile virus and no related deaths.
In 2006, there were nine human cases and two related deaths. In 2005, there
were 25 human cases and two related deaths. In 2004, there were 15 cases of
human West Nile virus that resulted in two fatalities.

For more information about West Nile virus, including current test results for
mosquitoes, birds and horses, visit http://www.westnile.state.pa.us or call
the Department of Health at 1-877-PA HEALTH.

CONTACT:
Holli Senior, Dept. of Health
(717) 787-1783

Neil Weaver, DEP
(717) 787-1323

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Health

Holli Senior of the PA Dept. of Health, +1-717-787-1783, or Neil Weaver, DEP,
+1-717-787-1323