Post by News on Jul 4, 2004 9:12:43 GMT -8
Rejoice and repel
WITH the sunscreen and umbrellas usually toted on the Fourth of July, we sincerely hope this year that Southern Californians also bring along insect repellent.
Because patriotism and fireworks are not the only things in the air this holiday weekend. Mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus are, too.
The first two cases of the virus in the San Gabriel Valley were reported just last week: a 71- year-old Covina horse owner and a 60-year-old Arcadia man. Luckily, both victims are recovering at home and did not suffer the virus' potentially fatal symptoms. So far, 11 cases have been reported in Southern California.
The reports do not warrant a panic. Less than one percent of people who become infected with the virus will develop severe illnesses. And of those who contract the serious conditions of West Nile - encephalitis and meningitis - about three to 15 percent die.
Rather, lack of prevention is what should be feared.
In Colorado last year, 54 people died of the virus out of the 2,944 cases reported. And combining the cost of the 861 cases treated in hospitals, the virus totaled $22.4 million in health care - an average of $26,000 per patient.
Since there is no cure or vaccine for the virus, prevention is still the only solution. Of 2,100 people interviewed who were infected with either minor or serious symptoms, Colorado officials determined that 11.2 percent said they always used insect repellent and 53.7 percent said they never used it. You do the math.
This is the fifth time since August 2002 that we have warned of the coming outbreak. On Thursday, staff writer Karen Rubin told of a panic spreading through some Valley horse owners after learning eight horses in Riverside and San Bernardino counties have been infected; five of those horses were destroyed. Many owners expressed regret for not heeding advice to get their horses vaccinated.
So, we will sound the call again. After all, repetition is the most effective way to learn. Horse owners can still obtain vaccines from veterinarians. We appreciate the fact that Fort Dodge Animal Health, a division of Wyeth, is keeping up with the demand.
Until scientists develop a human vaccine, routine prevention measures are the next best thing. Spray on repellent containing DEET when going out at dusk. Wear long sleeves and long pants. Keep windows and screens closed. Empty any receptacles such as flower pots, bird baths and swimming pool covers of standing water to prevent mosquito spawning. Report dead birds to authorities.
Hopefully, adherence to such prevention efforts will save California from the wider effects experienced in Colorado.
www.sgvtribune.com/Stories/0,1413,205~12238~2251339,00.html
WITH the sunscreen and umbrellas usually toted on the Fourth of July, we sincerely hope this year that Southern Californians also bring along insect repellent.
Because patriotism and fireworks are not the only things in the air this holiday weekend. Mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus are, too.
The first two cases of the virus in the San Gabriel Valley were reported just last week: a 71- year-old Covina horse owner and a 60-year-old Arcadia man. Luckily, both victims are recovering at home and did not suffer the virus' potentially fatal symptoms. So far, 11 cases have been reported in Southern California.
The reports do not warrant a panic. Less than one percent of people who become infected with the virus will develop severe illnesses. And of those who contract the serious conditions of West Nile - encephalitis and meningitis - about three to 15 percent die.
Rather, lack of prevention is what should be feared.
In Colorado last year, 54 people died of the virus out of the 2,944 cases reported. And combining the cost of the 861 cases treated in hospitals, the virus totaled $22.4 million in health care - an average of $26,000 per patient.
Since there is no cure or vaccine for the virus, prevention is still the only solution. Of 2,100 people interviewed who were infected with either minor or serious symptoms, Colorado officials determined that 11.2 percent said they always used insect repellent and 53.7 percent said they never used it. You do the math.
This is the fifth time since August 2002 that we have warned of the coming outbreak. On Thursday, staff writer Karen Rubin told of a panic spreading through some Valley horse owners after learning eight horses in Riverside and San Bernardino counties have been infected; five of those horses were destroyed. Many owners expressed regret for not heeding advice to get their horses vaccinated.
So, we will sound the call again. After all, repetition is the most effective way to learn. Horse owners can still obtain vaccines from veterinarians. We appreciate the fact that Fort Dodge Animal Health, a division of Wyeth, is keeping up with the demand.
Until scientists develop a human vaccine, routine prevention measures are the next best thing. Spray on repellent containing DEET when going out at dusk. Wear long sleeves and long pants. Keep windows and screens closed. Empty any receptacles such as flower pots, bird baths and swimming pool covers of standing water to prevent mosquito spawning. Report dead birds to authorities.
Hopefully, adherence to such prevention efforts will save California from the wider effects experienced in Colorado.
www.sgvtribune.com/Stories/0,1413,205~12238~2251339,00.html