California May Face Severe West Nile Virus 

July 09 2004
By KRISTIE A. MARTINEZ, Associated Press Writer 

LOS ANGELES - Health officials said Thursday that 16 people in Southern California have been infected with the West Nile virus (news - web sites) this year but could not predict which areas will be hardest hit. 

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (news - web sites) said two of the cases were reported in Los Angeles County and the others were reported in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Health officials said the virus will likely spread throughout Southern California. 

"Now is the time to take the most aggressive steps that we can to fight this problem," said CDC Director Dr. Julie Gerberding. 

The virus is transmitted by mosquitos to humans after the insects bite infected birds. Almost 700 dead birds infected with the virus have been collected in California. The disease can affect almost all kinds of bird species, and especially affects crows. 

West Nile also has spread to horses in California, killing about half of the eight horses infected this year. 

Last year, more than 260 out of nearly 10,000 people nationwide died of complications of the virus, but most of those infected never get sick. About 20 percent of people infected experience fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. In some cases, symptoms progress to life-threatening encephalitis or meningitis. People age 50 and over are generally at a higher risk for severe symptoms. 

Dr. Richard Joseph Jackson, a California public health officer, said those who experience mild symptoms develop an immunity to the virus. But people who develop severe West Nile virus may have long-term effects, such as depression. 

Dick Crook of El Monte was infected by the West Nile virus. The 70-year-old retired gas station owner who spent the past 1 1/2 weeks in the hospital doesn't recall being bit by a mosquito but said he saw a sick crow on his lawn and thought it was an omen. 

"I had a bad feeling about that crow," he said. 

Although Crook's case has not yet been reported to county health officials, doctors confirmed that he had West Nile. Crook had fatigue, nausea and a 104-degree fever after being infected. He also has lost 10 pounds and has trouble lifting himself off of the couch. 

A number of factors can determine where West Nile virus will strike humans, including the location and type of infected mosquitos, the location of bird populations, the weather and human prevention efforts, Gerberding said. 

But California health officials cannot predict which areas in the state the virus will affect next. 

Jackson said Los Angeles County has characteristics that may lead to more human infections, including a large crow population. 

"Los Angelenos enjoy their evening events, whether it's ballgames, concerts or evenings outdoors, and mosquitos are very active at that time of day," he said. 

This year, there have been 78 reported human cases nationwide. Arizona has been the hardest hit state, with 58 human cases and two deaths. 

Health officials said people should empty sources of standing water and make sure window screens on their homes are not damaged. They also should use insect repellant containing DEET and wear pants and long-sleeved shirts when outside, particularly during early mornings and evenings.