Risk of West Nile on the rise in state
BY ANGELA STEWART
STAR-LEDGER STAFF
West Nile virus activity is accelerating in New Jersey with the discovery of more infected birds, prompting state health officials yesterday to remind residents not to let their guards down"We're now approaching the time of year when the risk to the human population is going to dramatically rise. I wouldn't be surprised if we saw human infection in the next month or so," said Eddy Breanitz, the state epidemiologist.
He said people can take precautions to protect themselves, however, such as removing from around their homes standing water that can serve as breading grounds for mosquitoes that transmit the virus.
"Wearing insect repellent, especially during the morning and evening hours, and lightweight long-sleeved shirts will also help provide protection," he said.
The virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, which become infected when they feed on infected birds. After an incubation period that cm last anywhere from 10 days to two weeks, Infected mosquitoes can then transmit the virus to humans or animals.
There have been no human cases of the virus reported in New Jersey so far this year, though the disease has killed two state residents since it first surfaced in the Western Hemisphere in 1999 with an outbreak in New York City.
Nationally, 12 human cases have been reported this year to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, but no one has died. All but one of the infected people lived in Louisiana. CDC officials identified the other individual as a resident of Mississippi.
In humans, the virus generally causes only mild symptoms, including fever, headache and body aches. But more severe cases can lead to a brain swelling called encephalitis that can be deadly.
The latest update from the West Nile Web site of the State Department of Health and Senior Services reports a total of 30 crows from 11 Counties have been infected with the virus in 2002. Morris County officials said six more crows there have tested positive since Friday.
The crows are very sensitive to the virus and are an early indicator of virus activity," said Marc Slaff, superintendent of the Morris County Mosquito Extermination Commission.
Slaff said three of the birds were from Parsippany and one each came from Morris Township Florham Park and Madison Previously, two positive crows had been reported in Lincoln Park, Slaff said..
Courtesy of The Star-Ledger - July 24, 20002
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