West Nile Virus Gets Early Start

Oklahoma's first case of West Nile virus has been confirmed. Officials say July through October is typically the peak season for exposure to the illness, but this year is different.

Tuesday, June 3rd 2008, 5:30 pm

By: News On 6

The state's first case of West Nile virus has been confirmed in Pittsburg County. Although West Nile virus has been around for years, News On 6 Anchor Craig Day reports, it's alarming because the potentially fatal infection is hitting so early this year.

Experts say we have the perfect water, vegetation and climate for a bumper crop of mosquitoes.

The state health department says a 55-year-old McAlester woman is the first confirmed case of West Nile in the state. She didn't have to be hospitalized, but is being treated.

"In Pittsburg County we had three confirmed human cases of West Nile virus last year," said Michael Echelle, Health Department Director.

Michael Echelle is the Pittsburg County Health Department Director. Echelle says July through October is typically the peak season for exposure to the mosquito borne illness. But, this year is different.

"What makes this case unusually different is that it is early," said Echelle.

Last year, Oklahoma had 107 human cases of West Nile statewide, eight of them fatal. Oklahoma had the third highest number of West Nile deaths in the nation, behind California and Texas.

Health workers in Pittsburg County are taking steps to control the spread of West Nile.

"Here's the gravity trap we use to collect specifically the West Nile mosquitoes that we're interested in," said Tim Langford, Public Health Specialist.

Traps are set at several locations across the county throughout the season. Collected mosquitoes are taken to Oklahoma State University to see if they carry West Nile.

"Then, we in turn contact city officials and tell them where hot spots are, where they are active," said Langford.

Health workers say with the early arrival of West Nile, Oklahomans should be diligent in taking precautions to lower their risk of exposure.

"West Nile is going to be prevalent in Oklahoma for years to come. I don't, we don't, anticipate West Nile going anywhere," said Echelle.

So far this season, there have been just seven reported cases of people getting West Nile nationwide, including the one in McAlester.

For more information about West Nile virus, click on the following links:
http://www.ok.gov/health and http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm.

06/02/08: West Nile Virus Identified in OK