West Nile Virus Update - 10/14/09

Editor's note: West Nile virus outbreaks are being reported througout the U.S. Here is a sampling of these reports from various news sources.

GEORGIA

A child in Tifton tested positive and is recovering at home

A Tifton child who tested positive for West Nile Virus recently is recovering at home, according to the Georgia Division of Public Health.

The Georgia Public Health Laboratory verified that the child tested positive for the mosquito-borne illness. This is the first human case of West Nile Virus in the South Health District for the year.

Two dogs tested positive for West Nile Virus in Brooks County.

Source: www.mysouthwestga.com

-------------------

NEW YORK

Mosquito in Huntington tests positive for West Nile virus Friday September 11, 2009

A mosquito sample from Huntington tested positive for West Nile, Suffolk County health officials said Friday.

The sample, collected Sept. 1, is among 11 that have tested positive this season. Two birds also have tested positive. So far, no human cases have been reported.

Source: New York Daily News

-------------------

WASHINGTON

The Health Department says Washington now has 10 confirmed human cases of West Nile Virus this year. It's the highest number ever seen in the state.

Most people who get the virus don't actually get sick. Health officials say that a few people get severe symptoms, including high fevers, tremors and even paralysis. But the virus is rarely fatal.

The state had previously reported one confirmed human case. The newest nine cases were likely contracted in July and August, in Eastern Washington.

Four of the people in newly confirmed cases live in Yakima County. Three more live in Benton County, one lives in Grant County, and one lives in Whatcom County.

The mosquito-borne virus started showing up in Washington earlier this decade.

Source: Seattle Times

-------------------

OREGON

Six Oregonians diagnosed with West Nile virus infection so far this season

State public health officials confirmed six cases of West Nile virus infection in Oregon residents so far this year, all in Eastern Oregon. Four of the people infected live in Malheur County, and lone cases have been confirmed from Morrow and Umatilla counties.

-------------------

CANADA

Two people in British Columbia are being tested for West Nile virus, which has been detected in the province for the first time, the BC Centre for Disease Control said Saturday.

Epidemiologist Dr. Bonnie Henry said the two adults are from the same family in the Okanagan, near where a group of mosquitoes were found to have the virus.

Henry said test results on the two residents will be available Monday or Tuesday.

Source: CP