Cases of West Nile Virus Confirmed in AR

The first mosquitoes with the West Nile virus have been confirmed in Ripley County.

Ripley County health officials say avoid being outside in late afternoon and dusk to dawn and early morning, use insect repellent that contains DEET®, Picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus, wear long sleeves or long trousers, install or fix screens in the home, drain all standing water, drill holes recycling containers, keep lawns mowed short, change fountains or bird baths often and clean clogged gutters. "We usually see positive mosquito samples followed by human cases. You can prevent West Nile virus infection by following some simple and effective steps to prevent mosquito bites". Other individuals, fewer than 1 out of 150, may become severely ill with encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues).

He said that he donates to Bonfils Blood Center in Boulder every several weeks, "and it's always fine, but this time it wasn't", he joked. About 10 percent of people who develop neurologic infection due to West Nile virus will die. Anyone who has concerning symptoms should contact a health care provider. These first reported cases illustrate that WNV is a real threat and people need to take action to protect themselves. If possible, stay indoors during the early morning and evening hours. The current American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and CDC recommendation for children older than 2 months of age is to use 10% to 30% DEET.

Unneeded standing water where mosquitoes can breed should also be drained.