The Woodward News

Local News

August 14, 2012

Warning issued on West Nile Virus

Gary Engel CNHI

Woodward, Okla. —

It's not just an advisory anymore.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) has issued a health warning on the West Nile Virus.

The health department reports there has been at least 1 death from the mosquito-borne illness this year, and 24 new cases have appeared in the last week. The total is now 55.

There are now 2 cases in Garfield County, the closest to the Woodward area. Tulsa County has reported 14 cases and Oklahoma County 12. Carter County in southern Oklahoma has 9 cases and Pittsburg County has 7.

 and Pittsburg County in the southeast part of the state has 7.

The death reported was from Oklahoma County, an adult over age 75.

The worst West Nile Virus breakout in Oklahoma came in 2007 when 107 cases were confirmed and 8 people died.

There is no vaccine to prevent the virus in humans and no drugs to treat it.



WHO IS MOST AT RISK

Officials said healthy, active adults 50 and over have the highest risk of developing the most serious form of the West Nile Virus, which causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Most of the cases in Oklahoma have developed in persons over 40.

The health department noted that while those who work in farming or construction are at high risk of being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Experts said it takes only one bite from an infected mosquito to develop the virus.

Terri Salisbury, Administrative Director of the Woodward County Health Department, strongly urged the application of a repellent containing DEET if one plans to be outdoors for any period.

"The amount of time doesn't matter," she said. "Just the fact that they are outside can lead to that one infectious bite. That's all it takes."



HOW DID THE OUTBREAK START?

Salisbury said there are a couple of schools of thought among health officials about why the the West Nile Virus breakout is so serious this year.

"One is that the hot, dry conditions help multiply the virus," she said. "The other is the life cycles of birds."

She explained that baby birds who are already infected with the virus are bitten by mosquitos, which then become virus carriers themselves.

As to the effect on people.

"There may be no symptoms at all, to a mild WNV fever, all the way to a serious neurological disease condition," Salisbury said.

Affected persons may experience a sudden fever onset, with headaches, nausea and dizziness.

"They may have muscle weakness, as well," Salisbury said. "They might also have swollen lymph glands and a rash."

If the infection progresses to the serious level, she said afflicted persons may have a high fever, a stiff neck, confusion/disorientation, numbness, convulsions and go into a coma.

"A paralysis of a limb may also happen," she said. "These effects could be permanent or fatal."

Salisbury said if any of the conditions start to appear within 2 weeks of being bitten, prompt medical attention should be sought.



WIDE RANGING PREVENTION METHODS

Along with the use of DEET insect spray, Salisbury said the most important may be the emptying of buckets, cans, flower pots and tires in yards that may be breeding places for mosquitos.

Other prevention steps:

- Repair or install window and door screens.

- Empty, clean and refill bird baths and pet water bowls daily.

- Keep leaves and debris cleaned out of rain gutters to assure they aren't clogged, avoiding a breeding place for mosquitos.

"If you don't have time for very many of the steps, take care of the standing water first," Salisbury said.

She added that another tip may be to assure mosquito repellent is placed in a handy and visible location so there is easy, quick access to it.

For more information about West Nile Virus, including prevention, go to http://ads.health.ok.gov, first clicking on "disease information," then on "West Nile Virus."

You can also contact Salisbury at (580) 256-6416.

Text Only
Local News
  • County OKs agreements

    Woodward County Commissioners approved a renewal contract between Oklahoma Juvenile Affairs and the county during their regularly scheduled meeting Monday morning.

    June 18, 2013

  • Infrared camera can help with safety

    Ever since Spencer Albracht can remember, he has been taking things apart, curious about just what made them work.
    "Back then, when I was a kid, I mostly couldn’t get them put back together,” Albracht joked.

    June 16, 2013

  • Celebrating with American Cancer Society

    Teams at this year's Relay for Life in Woodward had a party.
    A birthday party that is, as they celebrated the 100th anniversary of the American Cancer Society (ACS).  They also celebrated how ACS seeks to help all cancer patients celebrate more birthdays.
    So during Friday night's Relay birthday party, the guests of honor were, as they are every year, the many local cancer survivors.
    The News visited with just a few of these brave battlers who shared stories about their individual journeys to overcome cancer.

    June 16, 2013

  • Commission to take up contracts

    Approval of the annual contract with the Woodward Industrial Foundation is one of the major topics Woodward City Commissioners will discuss in their regular meeting on Monday.

    June 16, 2013

  • 6 arrested on felony methamphetamine charges

    A single search warrant recently led to the arrest of 6 people on serious drug charges including intent to distribute and endeavoring to manufacture methamphetamine.

    June 16, 2013

  • Students to benefit from bond issue

    Days after the Sharon-Mutual Bond Issue passed, school officials are still celebrating on the inside, said Jeff Thompson, Sharon-Mutual superintendent.

    June 16, 2013

  • School board hires BWA Architects

    While the actual size of a bond issue proposal for the Woodward School District is still being determined, there is an architectural firm on board to go along with the already-hired construction manager Joe D. Hall.

    June 15, 2013

  • Back to School Bash coming up at Living Word

    It all started with just two women who wanted to ease the pressures associated with preparing to send children back to school in the fall.

    June 14, 2013

  • Meeting focuses on early childhood development

    What do a university dean, a bank president, a former business manager, a school board member, a city official, an executive director of a youth services agency, and a state legislator have in common?

    June 14, 2013

  • Patterson preparing for national contest

    She wants to be the rodeo queen who makes time for people and remembers where she came from.

    June 14, 2013