West Nile worries

West Nile virus surveillance activities under way

By KATINA TENGESDAL, Staff Writer, ktengesdal@minotdailynews.com
The North Dakota Department of Health has begun West Nile virus surveillance activities to track the incidence of the disease throughout the state this season.


“In the past few years, it (incidence of West Nile) has risen. In 2006, 137 human cases were reported, and in 2007, 369 human cases were reported. However, there were years, such as 2004 and 2002, where there weren’t as many cases. In 2004, there were just 20 cases, and in 2002, there were 17. The numbers can vary so much from year to year,” said Michelle Feist, West Nile virus surveillance coordinator for the state health department.


 Feist explained that the first year West Nile virus infections in humans were documented in the state was in 2002, and cases have occurred every year since.  For 2008, Feist said, it’s difficult to predict what the numbers will be.


“We can’t say how many mosquitoes are out there right now, but some areas of the state are getting some rain, so that does create some habitat for mosquitoes to lay their eggs in,” she added.


Surveillance activities that have begun statewide include reporting and testing sick horses, trapping and testing mosquitoes, monitoring illness in humans, and reporting and testing dead birds. The bird species being tested this year include crows, magpies, blue jays, ravens, hawks, eagles and owls.


“We do monitor bird populations because birds are the reservoir for the virus, and we’re encouraging the public to report dead birds either online, or by calling the state health department or their local public health unit,” Feist said.


To report a dead bird, an online dead bird reporting form can be found at (www.ndhealth.gov/wnv) or by calling the health department at 1-800-472-2180. Those who have questions about dead bird testing and reporting can contact their local public health unit, Indian Health Service sanitarian, veterinarian, extension agent, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the USDA Wildlife Services or the North Dakota Department of Health.


In addition, individuals should be aware of the symptoms of West Nile virus in humans and seek attention from a healthcare provider. Most individuals who are infected with the virus will show no symptoms or only have mild symptoms; but more severe infection may cause high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, an altered mental state and death.