Mamie Carda, SD-Victim

Family copes with West Nile's toll

Associated Press--Posted on Wed, Oct. 12, 2005

TABOR, S.D. - The family of a woman who died of West Nile wants to make sure others are aware that the deadly disease is still around.

Mamie Carda, 90, or Tabor, died last month and was the state's second West Nile fatality in 2005.

And her family doesn't want to see it happen to anyone else.

"The whole family is concerned about others," said Jennifer Carda, 28, wife of grandson Brad Carda, 29. "People need to be aware of West Nile."

The Cardas hope to save at least one life by telling Mamie's story, Jennifer said.

Despite her age, Mamie didn't fit the profile of the West Nile victim, Jennifer said.

"Grandma wasn't outside much," she said. "She went outside to get her mail or put her garbage out, but she didn't go many places."

Mamie lived at home and was very independent, and very healthy, Jennifer said.

"Other than this (West Nile), she was really healthy. There is a sense of frustration because she was doing so well."

But just a couple of minutes outdoors can be enough for a West Nile mosquito to bite, said April Borders, an Extension educator in Yankton County.

"I'm not saying you shouldn't go outside anymore, but you have to take precautions," she said. "You need to wear long clothing and use protectants or repellents. Our theory is that this is the last chance (for the insects) to feed before they have to hibernate for the winter."

Borders also said that mosquitoes try to get inside when the weather gets cold, so screens and windows should be checked for holes.

Mamie's case illustrates the elderly's susceptibility to West Nile, said Borders.

"At about 50 years old, you see the number of cases go up, and the cases spike for those over 70 years old," Borders said. "The older persons' immune systems are weaker, and they catch so many more things."

West Nile numbers spike in September and the current warm weather has prolonged the West Nile season, she said. The state currently has 278 reported West Nile cases and two deaths.

This time last year, South Dakota had 44 human cases and on death, much smaller than 2003's reported 1,035 cases and eight deaths.

Mamie's death has made the entirely family more vigilant about the deadly disease, Jennifer said. They're more protective of themselves and their 4-year-old son.

"West Nile can hit any time, and we have bug spray nearby for ourselves and our little boy," she said. "Our family wants to make people aware the mosquito is still out there. They need to take care of themselves."