|
June 18, 2003
HONOLULU - The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) is asking for
the public’s help to keep West Nile Virus (WNV) out of the state
and protect the health of residents as well as the safety of native and
endangered bird populations.
To date there have been no cases of WNV in Hawaii. Prevention
efforts are focusing on the elimination of standing water where
mosquitoes may breed and continued surveillance of wild bird
populations. Anyone finding a freshly dead wild bird should collect the
bird in a plastic bag and deliver it to the nearest Humane Society or
other designated collection site (www.state.hi.us/doh/wnv/dbsites.html).
“West Nile Virus can cause severe and life threatening
illness, so we need to remain vigilant against it spreading to
Hawaii,” said Paul Kitsutani, M.D., Disease Outbreak Control
Division Hawaii State Department of Health. “Early detection,
through monitoring the wild bird population, and getting rid of
mosquito breeding areas are our best defense against the rapid spread
of WNV, should it ever be introduced to the islands.”
West Nile Virus is part of the family of viruses known as
flavivirus. The disease is usually passed between mosquitoes and birds,
but can also infect humans, horses, and other vertebrates. Most people
who are bitten by an infected mosquito will show either no symptoms or
mild symptoms, including fever, body aches, headaches, and occasionally
swollen glands and skin rash, that lasts a few days. On rare occasions
WNV infection can result in severe and sometimes fatal illness known as
West Nile encephalitis. Encephalitis is the inflammation of the brain
and/or the membrane around the brain. Symptoms include headache, high
fever, stiff neck, stupor, tremors, coma, convulsions and
paralysis.
Until the summer of 1999, when it was found in New York City, WNV
had not been detected in the Western Hemisphere. Since then, it has
affected humans, birds, horses, and other vertebrates in most of the
mainland United States, as well as Canada and Mexico.
For more information visit the Department of Health web site at www.state.hi.us/doh/wnv or
consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) site at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm
# # #
For more information, contact:
Janice Okubo
Communications Director
Phone: (808) 586-4442
Email: jsokubo@health.state.hi.us
Laura M. Lott
Information Specialist
Phone: (808) 586-4418
Email: lmlott@health.state.hi.us
People can only become infected with West Nile virus after being
bitten by an infected mosquito. There is no evidence that people can
get West Nile virus from infected animals or people, or that people can
transmit the West Nile virus to other animals, birds, or people.
People over 50 years of age have the highest risk of developing a
severe illness because as we age, our bodies have a harder time
fighting off disease. People with compromised immune systems are also
at increased risk. However, anyone can get the virus.
People with mild infections may experience fever, headache, body
aches, skin rash and swollen lymph glands, this is called West Nile
Fever. People with more severe infections may experience high fever,
headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors,
occasional convulsions and paralysis, this is called West Nile
Encephalitis. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your
doctor.
While most infections are usually mild, West Nile Encephalitis can
result in death or serious brain damage. Some improvements may be seen
after some time.
There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus infection, nor a
vaccine. While most people fully recover from the viral infection, in
some severe cases hospitalization may be needed.
It is not necessary to limit any outdoor activities, unless local
officials advise you otherwise.
However, you can and should try to reduce your risk of being bitten
by mosquitoes. In addition to reducing standing water in your yard,
make sure all windows and doors have screens, and that all screens are
in good repair.
Remember, electromagnetic and ultrasound devices and Vitamin B are
not effective in preventing mosquito bites.
| |
|
|
|
|
Hawaiian Humane Society
2700 Waialae Avenue
Honolulu, Hawaii 96826
946-2187 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Vector Control
873-3560 |
|
Drop-off locations
DOFAW
685 Haleakala Hwy
Kahului 96732 |
|
Humane Society
Mokulele Highway
(halfway between Puunene & Piilani Highway)
Puunene 96784 |
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Vector Control
241-3306 |
|
Drop-off location
Humane Society
3-825 Kaumualii Highway
Lihue 96766 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Waiakea Health Center
974-4245 s |
|
Drop-off locations:
Waiakea Health Center
191 Kuawa St
Hilo 96720 |
|
Dept. of Fish & Wildlife
19 E. Kawili St
Hilo 96720 |
| |
|
|
|
|
Dept. of Fish & Wildlife
66-1220 A Lalamilo Rd
Kamuela 96743 |
|
Humane Society
Waimea Shelter
Mamalahoa Hwy,
(next to Waimea Airport)
Kamuela 96743 |
|
Humane Society
Keaau Shelter
Hwy 130 (1.5 mi S of Keaau)
Keaau 96749 |
|
