West Nile scare tactics
Heartfelt or hype? Radio ads focus on worst-case scenario
By Tom Polansek
STAFF WRITER
Bob Brookman's wife fell into a coma and died after being bitten in September 2002 by a mosquito carrying West Nile virus.
He now is the voice on a radio ad being played throughout the Chicago area that warns people to stay inside or protect themselves with insect repellent.
"My wife and I were sitting in our back yard, and she was bitten by a mosquito," Brookman, who lives in Chicago, says in the public service announcement. "Thirteen days later, she basically suffered paralysis, went on a feeding tube and a respirator, and was in that condition for 13 months before she succumbed to the West Nile virus."
The ad, sponsored by the Illinois Department of Public Health, highlights the worst possible scenario for those infected with the disease.
But no deaths in Illinois have been linked to West Nile so far this year, and public health officials report that the disease has been confirmed in only 18 people in the state.
With those figures in mind, the dramatic tale has left some wondering whether the state is fueling unnecessary paranoia about the disease.
Indeed, officials within the department report that, of those bitten by mosquitoes infected with West Nile, only about two out of 10 will ever experience any symptoms. And a statement released Wednesday by the department, which announced two new cases in Cook and DuPage counties, conceded that most medical problems related to the disease are minor.
"Illness from West Nile disease is usually mild and includes fever, headache, and body aches," the statement reads.
State defends campaign
Nevertheless, the department defends its ads as an important educational tool.
Spokeswoman Tammy Leonard said the state wanted to encourage people to protect themselves and avoid the high number of West Nile-related fatalities it saw in 2002. That year, Illinois led the nation with 884 human cases and 67 deaths.
"We don't want to see a repeat of that ever, especially when people can take precautions to being bit by a mosquito," Leonard said.
In 2003, the number of human cases dropped to 54, with just one death, according to the department. Infections were back up slightly in 2004 with 60 human cases and four deaths.
For Brookman, it is impossible to overstate the seriousness of the disease. He lauded the department for publicizing what happened to his wife, Maureen, and said people need to understand the risks of West Nile.
He was paid for his work but said he donated the money to charity.
"I think public health agencies were trying to avert public panic (in 2002) and were underplaying the number of cases and also the seriousness of the illness," he said in an interview. "I think they've come to realize that's not the way to approach this thing. A little bit of panic might go a long way, and I certainly hope it does."
The radio ads featuring Brookman made their first run in 23 markets statewide from June 29 to July 22. They then were suspended until Aug. 7, when they returned for another run through Sept. 1.
Leonard said the most recent run will be heard only in the Chicago area, as reports of the disease have been centered in Cook, Kane and DuPage counties. Locally, listeners can hear them on WLS and WGN.
Cautions against complacency
And, despite the slow start to the West Nile season this year, local health experts cautioned people not to become complacent.
Sallie Rivera, epidemiology coordinator at Sherman Hospital in Elgin, said a high number of birds and mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile and those cases could easily be transferred to humans.
"If you want to be cute about it, it's only a bite away," she said about West Nile.
Rivera urged people to wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts when they go outside and apply insect repellent with DEET. As for the ads, she agreed they were scary.
"It's really a dramatic thing," Rivera said about Brookman's story. "I don't know if that's good for us or bad for us. Not all people will get that sick, but people will get sick."
-Staff writer Mike Danahey contributed to this report.
8/18/05
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
David German, Louisiana
Family Remembers Caddo Man Who Died of West Nile
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
When Janet German took her brother-in-law David German to the hospital a few weeks ago, he was complaining of nausea and pains in his chest. She knew he`d suffered from heart problems in the past.
But the family was shocked to find out that David German`s symptoms were actually a result of contracting the West Nile Virus.
"It really shocked us to find out what it was because you never suspect that your family is gonna be a part of it.You hear of other people," said Janet German.
In the past month, state health officials confirmed 5 cases of West Nile Virus in northwest Louisiana.The virus is contracted through mosquito bites, and often has flu-like symptoms.
German` bother James tell us that David was an outside person who
loved the outdoors and fishing.
David German will be remembered as a man who was very devoted to his family.He lived with his mother and was her primary caregiver.
Sister-in-law Janet German is still in shock.
"One little mosquito did all that to him....the wrong mosquito got him."
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
When Janet German took her brother-in-law David German to the hospital a few weeks ago, he was complaining of nausea and pains in his chest. She knew he`d suffered from heart problems in the past.
But the family was shocked to find out that David German`s symptoms were actually a result of contracting the West Nile Virus.
"It really shocked us to find out what it was because you never suspect that your family is gonna be a part of it.You hear of other people," said Janet German.
In the past month, state health officials confirmed 5 cases of West Nile Virus in northwest Louisiana.The virus is contracted through mosquito bites, and often has flu-like symptoms.
German` bother James tell us that David was an outside person who
loved the outdoors and fishing.
David German will be remembered as a man who was very devoted to his family.He lived with his mother and was her primary caregiver.
Sister-in-law Janet German is still in shock.
"One little mosquito did all that to him....the wrong mosquito got him."
Monday, August 15, 2005
Nicole Thomas, OH
Monday, August 15, 2005
Recovery slow for possible West Nile virus victim
Greenhills woman's polio-like symptom is unusual for such cases
By Eileen Kelley
Enquirer staff writer
CLIFTON - Nicole Thomas sits in a hospital bed unable to move her legs.
Progress and recovery from what is possibly the area's first case of the West Nile virus this season has been slow.
"It's a long process, but God is going to heal her," said Thomas' mother, Wanda Dean of Forest Park.
Dean said she and Thomas, 22, were told Friday that Thomas is suffering from the West Nile virus.
A spokeswoman for Good Samaritan Hospital, where Thomas has been a patient since Aug. 4, said Sunday the hospital is still waiting for test results.
Dr. Steve Englender, director of epidemiology and emergency public health preparedness for the Cincinnati Department of Health, said the polio-like symptom that Thomas is experiencing is rare with West Nile cases. The doctor said late Friday his department had not been informed of the case and didn't expect to be informed - if in fact there was a confirmation - until the weekend was over. "Certainly West Nile is possible because it has become pandemic across the country," said Englender.
West Nile virus is a potentially serious illness, which in some cases can be deadly. If Thomas' case is West Nile, it will be just the second confirmed human case of the disease in Ohio this year.
The Ohio Department of Health reported last month that a 27-year-old person in Drake County contracted the virus.
There have not been any reported cases in Kentucky this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. West Nile was first reported six years ago in New York.
"It's been a very interesting disease to watch it spread west," said Englender.
About one in 150 people infected with the virus will need to be hospitalized.
The virus is most commonly spread through the bite of mosquitoes.
Typically, symptoms appear within three days to two weeks from the mosquito bite. Local health officials reported in early July that mosquitoes carrying the virus had been detected in Madeira along Dawson road.
The first human case in Ohio was in 2002, a year when 142 human cases were confirmed and 31 people died. Statewide, the virus has waned since that first case.
There were 12 confirmed cases last year and two deaths.
So far this year, California has the highest reported number of cases with 84 as of Aug. 9, according to the Centers for Disease Control. South Dakota is second with 28 human cases. A total of 22 states have reported human cases.
Friends and family of Thomas say that the Greenhills woman had complained about feeling weak prior to her hospitalization.
"She just kept getting weaker and weaker," said Jammie Jackson, 21, a close friend.
Thomas' mother said her daughter went to Mercy Hospital Fairfield. on Aug. 3 to find out what was wrong. She was told she had some sort of virus and was sent home.
The following morning, Thomas woke up and couldn't move her legs and screamed for help. A meter man heard her cries and called for emergency help.
"Temporarily paralyzed; I'm not going to say she is paralyzed because I'm just not going to believe it," said Dean.
Thomas' sister, Stephanie Dean, said doctors are hopeful they can transfer Thomas to Drake Center in about two weeks to begin rehabilitation.
Recovery slow for possible West Nile virus victim
Greenhills woman's polio-like symptom is unusual for such cases
By Eileen Kelley
Enquirer staff writer
CLIFTON - Nicole Thomas sits in a hospital bed unable to move her legs.
Progress and recovery from what is possibly the area's first case of the West Nile virus this season has been slow.
"It's a long process, but God is going to heal her," said Thomas' mother, Wanda Dean of Forest Park.
Dean said she and Thomas, 22, were told Friday that Thomas is suffering from the West Nile virus.
A spokeswoman for Good Samaritan Hospital, where Thomas has been a patient since Aug. 4, said Sunday the hospital is still waiting for test results.
Dr. Steve Englender, director of epidemiology and emergency public health preparedness for the Cincinnati Department of Health, said the polio-like symptom that Thomas is experiencing is rare with West Nile cases. The doctor said late Friday his department had not been informed of the case and didn't expect to be informed - if in fact there was a confirmation - until the weekend was over. "Certainly West Nile is possible because it has become pandemic across the country," said Englender.
West Nile virus is a potentially serious illness, which in some cases can be deadly. If Thomas' case is West Nile, it will be just the second confirmed human case of the disease in Ohio this year.
The Ohio Department of Health reported last month that a 27-year-old person in Drake County contracted the virus.
There have not been any reported cases in Kentucky this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. West Nile was first reported six years ago in New York.
"It's been a very interesting disease to watch it spread west," said Englender.
About one in 150 people infected with the virus will need to be hospitalized.
The virus is most commonly spread through the bite of mosquitoes.
Typically, symptoms appear within three days to two weeks from the mosquito bite. Local health officials reported in early July that mosquitoes carrying the virus had been detected in Madeira along Dawson road.
The first human case in Ohio was in 2002, a year when 142 human cases were confirmed and 31 people died. Statewide, the virus has waned since that first case.
There were 12 confirmed cases last year and two deaths.
So far this year, California has the highest reported number of cases with 84 as of Aug. 9, according to the Centers for Disease Control. South Dakota is second with 28 human cases. A total of 22 states have reported human cases.
Friends and family of Thomas say that the Greenhills woman had complained about feeling weak prior to her hospitalization.
"She just kept getting weaker and weaker," said Jammie Jackson, 21, a close friend.
Thomas' mother said her daughter went to Mercy Hospital Fairfield. on Aug. 3 to find out what was wrong. She was told she had some sort of virus and was sent home.
The following morning, Thomas woke up and couldn't move her legs and screamed for help. A meter man heard her cries and called for emergency help.
"Temporarily paralyzed; I'm not going to say she is paralyzed because I'm just not going to believe it," said Dean.
Thomas' sister, Stephanie Dean, said doctors are hopeful they can transfer Thomas to Drake Center in about two weeks to begin rehabilitation.
Jim Rodgers, CA--Daughter Pam Shands Comments on Father's Death
Pam Shands speaks out Sunday about county health officials disclosing little information about the recent death of Shands' father, James "Jim" Rodgers, due to the West Nile virus. (Ryan Harris/News-Sentinel)
West Nile virus victim's family angry at county, state officials
By Ross Farrow
News-Sentinel Staff Writer
Last updated: Monday, Aug 15, 2005 - 07:00:16 am PDT
Family members remained angry Sunday at state and county authorities over the death of Acampo resident James "Jim" Rodgers.
"I'm very angry," said Pam Shands, one of Rodgers' two daughters. "He was healthy Saturday (Aug. 6). I shouldn't have to be worrying about my dad dying from a bug bite."
Pam Shands speaks out Sunday about county health officials disclosing little information about the recent death of Shands' father, James "Jim" Rodgers, due to the West Nile virus. (Ryan Harris/News-Sentinel)
Rodgers, 86, died four days later in what is being described as Northern California's first fatal case of the West Nile virus this year. He lived for about 30 years at Arbor Mobile Home Park on the eastern frontage road of Highway 99, just north of Woodbridge Road. Shands lives about three miles away on Peltier Road.
Rodgers appeared to be quite healthy until the afternoon of Aug. 6, when neighbors described him as "hallucinating." He was taken to Dameron Hospital in Stockton that night and died on Wednesday.
But Shands' family maintains that state and county officials aren't doing enough to combat the West Nile virus.
Authorities haven't publicized it enough to the community how deadly serious the disease is, nor have they done what they can to remove stagnant water, a favorite breeding ground for mosquitoes, which transmit West Nile, the Shands family said.
They also say that county officials were too secretive about Rodgers' death. The announcement issued by the county's West Nile Virus Task Force stated only that an elderly male from somewhere in San Joaquin County had died from complications of the West Nile virus. That could have been in Tracy, Escalon or Ripon.
Or Acampo, as it turned out to be.
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Dr. Karen Furst, the county's health officer, told the News-Sentinel on Friday that the information couldn't be disclosed for confidentiality reasons.
Nevertheless, the Shands maintain that county health officials should have alerted Arbor residents Wednesday night about the potential of the West Nile virus being in their backyard. Instead, mosquito abatement officials waited until Thursday night to discuss the virus with residents.
"Wouldn't you want to know Wednesday night?" Shands' husband, Dave Shands asked rhetorically.
Glen Taylor shows where he found a dead bird last week while his wife, Vi, watches. Glen Taylor reported the dead bird to the San Joaquin Mosquito and Vector Control District. A district employee told him there had been no reports of West Nile in the Acampo area, and to dispose of the bird and to contact the district if he hears of any other dead birds in the area, he said. (Mike Graffigna/News-Sentinel)
John Stroh, manager of the county mosquito abatement district, said after Thursday's meeting at the Arbor Mobile Home Park clubhouse that he couldn't discuss deaths related to the West Nile virus.
Information about any deaths caused by West Nile can only be answered by the county's public health department, Stroh said, but no such representatives attended the mobile home park meeting. The only issue Stroh said he was allowed to discuss that night was killing mosquitoes and how to avoid being bitten by one.
Dori Kiniry, Pam Shands' daughter is in town from Arizona to attend Rodgers' funeral. She said that authorities in the greater Phoenix area where she lives have been vigilant about killing mosquitos. They have sprayed once a year for the past three years in Arizona and have numerous signs posted reminding people about standing water, Kiniry said.
"We know all about it; it's a big deal in Arizona," Kiniry said. "California had plenty of time to know this was coming."
Arizona officials will even issue citations to residents who have stagnant water in their swimming pools, Kiniry said. On a complaint basis, she said, Arizona officials will fly over a pool to determine if it's stagnant.
Nevertheless, Dave Shands said he's seen stagnant water at several locations in the Lodi area this week. And his wife wondered if people at area nursing homes are susceptible to West Nile because of their compromised immune systems.
"I can't help my father, but I'd like to help somebody else (avoid contracting the virus)," Pam Shands said.
The public doesn't realize how painful a West Nile death can be, Pam Shands said. She found out first-hand with her father.
"It was a horrible, horrible death," Pam Shands said. "He was gasping for air for three days."
She said she wonders if Rodgers' death was California's fourth, as state officials maintain. Could deaths caused by pneumonia, meningitis and other diseases been a result of West Nile as well, Pam Shands asked.
"I don't want to be a drama queen, but we need to get (the facts) out there."
Contact reporter Ross Farrow at rossf@lodinews.com.
Friday, August 12, 2005
James Rodgers, CA-Victim
Acampo man dies of complications from West Nile virus
By Ross Farrow and Jennifer Pearson Bonnett
News-Sentinel Staff Writers
Last updated: Friday, Aug 12, 2005 - 06:56:20 am PDT
An 86-year-old Acampo man died Wednesday from complications of the West Nile virus, marking the state's fourth fatality this year and Northern California's first.
James Rodgers
San Joaquin County officials wouldn't disclose Thursday who the victim is, but two neighbors say it was James A. "Jim" Rodgers, who lived for about 30 years at Arbor Mobile Home Park off Highway 99 and Woodbridge Road.
Meanwhile, some 60 residents showed up for a quickly called meeting for 6:30 p.m. in the mobile home park clubhouse, where John Stroh, manager of the San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District, talked in general terms about the West Nile virus, but not about any deaths related to the virus.
The San Joaquin County West Nile Virus Task Force spread pesticide by ground in the area near Arbor Mobile Home Park on Thursday night and planned to continue ground spraying tonight and Saturday.
County officials also reported Thursday that two more horses have also tested positive for the virus.
Death came suddenly
Rodgers, a propeller specialist for more than 40 years in the U.S. Air Force, died Wednesday after being hospitalized since Saturday, said a neighbor, Tammy Christian.
Rodgers' next-door neighbor, Margie Gipson, said Rodgers' daughter, Susie Mikan, came by Wednesday afternoon to inform residents that Rodgers had died, and that the cause was complications of the West Nile virus.
"It was confirmed (to be West Nile)," Christian said. "It's going on his death certificate."
Mikan was unavailable for comment Thursday night.
A third Arbor resident, Patricia Holden, said the victim's family member had said a man in the mobile home park died of West Nile, but she wouldn't confirm if it was Rodgers.
The San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District announced in a news release e-mailed to media shortly before 6 p.m. that "an elderly male" had died from complications of the West Nile virus. But the notice didn't give the victim's name or what part of San Joaquin County he resided.
After the meeting, Stroh said he couldn't disclose any information about the death and deferred questions to Furst.
Asked why Thursday's meeting for residents was held, Stroh said, "Because the virus was detected in this area, and it's a close-knit community."
Christian said she received only 90 minutes notice about the 6:30 p.m. meeting. And the wording on the flier didn't convey a sense of urgency.
"Please come and join us tonight for an informational meeting as West Nile activity has recently been detected in the area," the flier said.
Christian said she was angry and stormed out of the meeting as Stroh began making generally benign comments about the virus.
Christian said she told Stroh, "You need to inform them that somebody died."
Later, she said, "They only had the meeting because (Rodgers) passed away."
Healthy until Saturday
Rodgers' death appeared to come quite suddenly. He appeared completely healthy during his weekly Friday night bowling league last week, neighbors said, and he appeared healthy when he did some light yard work Saturday morning.
"He bowled on Friday night, and we went to Red Lobster after bowling," Christian said. "He was the best bowler on our team."
For the record, he carried a 172 average, said Christian's husband, Chad Christian.
But Saturday afternoon, Tammy Christian said Rodgers, who lived alone since his wife, Jane Rodgers, died in 2000, appeared to be "hallucinating." He was taken to Stockton's Dameron Hospital that night.
The task force also reported Thursday that an infected horse in Escalon has died.
The virus, first detected this year in June in infected scrub jays in Acampo, is transmitted to humans and animals such as horses through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected with the virus when they bite infected birds that carry the disease from site to site.
Last year, 19 horses in San Joaquin County tested positive and five died. During the entire summer season, there were three confirmed human cases, but no fatalities, according to the task force.
By Ross Farrow and Jennifer Pearson Bonnett
News-Sentinel Staff Writers
Last updated: Friday, Aug 12, 2005 - 06:56:20 am PDT
An 86-year-old Acampo man died Wednesday from complications of the West Nile virus, marking the state's fourth fatality this year and Northern California's first.
James Rodgers
San Joaquin County officials wouldn't disclose Thursday who the victim is, but two neighbors say it was James A. "Jim" Rodgers, who lived for about 30 years at Arbor Mobile Home Park off Highway 99 and Woodbridge Road.
Meanwhile, some 60 residents showed up for a quickly called meeting for 6:30 p.m. in the mobile home park clubhouse, where John Stroh, manager of the San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District, talked in general terms about the West Nile virus, but not about any deaths related to the virus.
The San Joaquin County West Nile Virus Task Force spread pesticide by ground in the area near Arbor Mobile Home Park on Thursday night and planned to continue ground spraying tonight and Saturday.
County officials also reported Thursday that two more horses have also tested positive for the virus.
Death came suddenly
Rodgers, a propeller specialist for more than 40 years in the U.S. Air Force, died Wednesday after being hospitalized since Saturday, said a neighbor, Tammy Christian.
Rodgers' next-door neighbor, Margie Gipson, said Rodgers' daughter, Susie Mikan, came by Wednesday afternoon to inform residents that Rodgers had died, and that the cause was complications of the West Nile virus.
"It was confirmed (to be West Nile)," Christian said. "It's going on his death certificate."
Mikan was unavailable for comment Thursday night.
A third Arbor resident, Patricia Holden, said the victim's family member had said a man in the mobile home park died of West Nile, but she wouldn't confirm if it was Rodgers.
The San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District announced in a news release e-mailed to media shortly before 6 p.m. that "an elderly male" had died from complications of the West Nile virus. But the notice didn't give the victim's name or what part of San Joaquin County he resided.
After the meeting, Stroh said he couldn't disclose any information about the death and deferred questions to Furst.
Asked why Thursday's meeting for residents was held, Stroh said, "Because the virus was detected in this area, and it's a close-knit community."
Christian said she received only 90 minutes notice about the 6:30 p.m. meeting. And the wording on the flier didn't convey a sense of urgency.
"Please come and join us tonight for an informational meeting as West Nile activity has recently been detected in the area," the flier said.
Christian said she was angry and stormed out of the meeting as Stroh began making generally benign comments about the virus.
Christian said she told Stroh, "You need to inform them that somebody died."
Later, she said, "They only had the meeting because (Rodgers) passed away."
Healthy until Saturday
Rodgers' death appeared to come quite suddenly. He appeared completely healthy during his weekly Friday night bowling league last week, neighbors said, and he appeared healthy when he did some light yard work Saturday morning.
"He bowled on Friday night, and we went to Red Lobster after bowling," Christian said. "He was the best bowler on our team."
For the record, he carried a 172 average, said Christian's husband, Chad Christian.
But Saturday afternoon, Tammy Christian said Rodgers, who lived alone since his wife, Jane Rodgers, died in 2000, appeared to be "hallucinating." He was taken to Stockton's Dameron Hospital that night.
The task force also reported Thursday that an infected horse in Escalon has died.
The virus, first detected this year in June in infected scrub jays in Acampo, is transmitted to humans and animals such as horses through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected with the virus when they bite infected birds that carry the disease from site to site.
Last year, 19 horses in San Joaquin County tested positive and five died. During the entire summer season, there were three confirmed human cases, but no fatalities, according to the task force.
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Terry Reykdal, MANITOBA
Family of West Nile patient speaks out
Last Updated Aug 10 2005 11:25 AM CDT
CBC News
A 59-year-old man remains in hospital after contracting the most severe form of the West Nile Virus, while his family waits for his recovery.
Leslie Reykdal found her husband's uncle Terry Reykdal lying on the floor of his Winnipeg Beach home.
"I walked in to find he was very dozy, very hot, fevered, he could barely walk," she says. "I had to walk him to the vehicle. I took him to the Gimli hospital. Apparently at this point, he's unable to walk. We've heard he'll have to have some physiotherapy to have him walking again."
Doctors later diagnosed a neurological form of West Nile fever, a severe form of the disease that is carried by mosquitoes. Reykdal says her relative did not like to use bug spray, but her family is using it now.
"We definitely will spray more," she says. "Though the DEET, you kind of wonder if it's any good for us, but I'd pick DEET over West Nile any day."
Reykdal says she is also getting her six-year-old son tested, since he is also showing symptoms of West Nile virus.
The province says people can also reduce the risk by reducing time spent outdoors, and wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing.
West Nile backgrounder:
* CBC INDEPTH: West Nile Virus
West Nile surveillance in Manitoba:
* MANITOBA HEALTH: West Nile surveillance statistics External site
Last Updated Aug 10 2005 11:25 AM CDT
CBC News
A 59-year-old man remains in hospital after contracting the most severe form of the West Nile Virus, while his family waits for his recovery.
Leslie Reykdal found her husband's uncle Terry Reykdal lying on the floor of his Winnipeg Beach home.
"I walked in to find he was very dozy, very hot, fevered, he could barely walk," she says. "I had to walk him to the vehicle. I took him to the Gimli hospital. Apparently at this point, he's unable to walk. We've heard he'll have to have some physiotherapy to have him walking again."
Doctors later diagnosed a neurological form of West Nile fever, a severe form of the disease that is carried by mosquitoes. Reykdal says her relative did not like to use bug spray, but her family is using it now.
"We definitely will spray more," she says. "Though the DEET, you kind of wonder if it's any good for us, but I'd pick DEET over West Nile any day."
Reykdal says she is also getting her six-year-old son tested, since he is also showing symptoms of West Nile virus.
The province says people can also reduce the risk by reducing time spent outdoors, and wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing.
West Nile backgrounder:
* CBC INDEPTH: West Nile Virus
West Nile surveillance in Manitoba:
* MANITOBA HEALTH: West Nile surveillance statistics External site
Peter Goldstein, IL
Elk Grove Village family issues West Nile warning
By Sue Ter Maat Daily Herald Staff WriterWed Aug 10, 9:09 AM ET
Peter Goldstein complained of chronic fatigue just before a raging fever overtook him about three weeks ago.
Tremors and fever plagued the 64-year-old Elk Grove Village man as doctors tried to figure out what was wrong with him.
Two weeks ago, his wife, JoAnn, found him collapsed in a hallway. She called for an ambulance that whisked him away to Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village.
Over the next week, he suffered two heart attacks and finally slipped into a coma.
This week, doctors told the family why Goldstein had fallen so gravely ill. He was suffering from West Nile virus, which was exacerbated by terminal lung cancer.
The Goldstein family is now warning others about the dangers of West Nile virus, a seasonal epidemic that first appears in the summer months.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, about one in 150 people infected with the virus will develop a severe illness.
Symptoms include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis.
Goldstein spent a lot of time outside gardening, but never complained of a mosquito bite, which is how the disease is transmitted, said JoAnn Goldstein, who has been married to her husband for more than 40 years.
However, about three weeks ago, she found a dead blackbird in the front yard. Dead birds can be a sign of virus-laden mosquitoes, since birds are carriers of the disease.
The disease attacked Goldstein's already weakened immune system, which was fighting undiagnosed lung cancer. The cancer was only discovered through testing for the virus, said Goldstein's 28-year-old son, Scott.
Scott Goldstein said doctors have now given his father a few months to live due to the cancer.
Goldstein added that he wished there had been more spraying for mosquitoes in the area. He blamed the village for not paying enough attention to the issue.
"I blame (the village) for not spraying," Goldstein said. "They are too busy with other priorities."
Elk Grove Village's Director of Health and Community Service Mike Cavallini said the village doesn't spray for mosquitoes as that responsibility falls to the Northwest Mosquito Abatement District, which has sprayed the village three times this year, he said.
The district is a separate entity, which collects taxes from residents on their property tax bill, apart from the village's portion of the tax bill, he said.
Ed Evertsen, who lives across the street from the Goldstein home, said he was satisfied with the amount of spraying that had been done in the area. He also didn't recall seeing many mosquitoes recently.
"In a population of 34,000 (in Elk Grove Village), there's one isolated case of West Nile," Evertsen said. "Does that mean they should've sprayed more?"
Another neighbor, Kathy Lee, said she'd like to see more spraying in light of the new case.
"With all the talk of West Nile, there should be extra spraying," she said.
Warning: Spraying practices debated by family neighbors
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Copyright © 2005 Daily Herald.
By Sue Ter Maat Daily Herald Staff WriterWed Aug 10, 9:09 AM ET
Peter Goldstein complained of chronic fatigue just before a raging fever overtook him about three weeks ago.
Tremors and fever plagued the 64-year-old Elk Grove Village man as doctors tried to figure out what was wrong with him.
Two weeks ago, his wife, JoAnn, found him collapsed in a hallway. She called for an ambulance that whisked him away to Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village.
Over the next week, he suffered two heart attacks and finally slipped into a coma.
This week, doctors told the family why Goldstein had fallen so gravely ill. He was suffering from West Nile virus, which was exacerbated by terminal lung cancer.
The Goldstein family is now warning others about the dangers of West Nile virus, a seasonal epidemic that first appears in the summer months.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, about one in 150 people infected with the virus will develop a severe illness.
Symptoms include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis.
Goldstein spent a lot of time outside gardening, but never complained of a mosquito bite, which is how the disease is transmitted, said JoAnn Goldstein, who has been married to her husband for more than 40 years.
However, about three weeks ago, she found a dead blackbird in the front yard. Dead birds can be a sign of virus-laden mosquitoes, since birds are carriers of the disease.
The disease attacked Goldstein's already weakened immune system, which was fighting undiagnosed lung cancer. The cancer was only discovered through testing for the virus, said Goldstein's 28-year-old son, Scott.
Scott Goldstein said doctors have now given his father a few months to live due to the cancer.
Goldstein added that he wished there had been more spraying for mosquitoes in the area. He blamed the village for not paying enough attention to the issue.
"I blame (the village) for not spraying," Goldstein said. "They are too busy with other priorities."
Elk Grove Village's Director of Health and Community Service Mike Cavallini said the village doesn't spray for mosquitoes as that responsibility falls to the Northwest Mosquito Abatement District, which has sprayed the village three times this year, he said.
The district is a separate entity, which collects taxes from residents on their property tax bill, apart from the village's portion of the tax bill, he said.
Ed Evertsen, who lives across the street from the Goldstein home, said he was satisfied with the amount of spraying that had been done in the area. He also didn't recall seeing many mosquitoes recently.
"In a population of 34,000 (in Elk Grove Village), there's one isolated case of West Nile," Evertsen said. "Does that mean they should've sprayed more?"
Another neighbor, Kathy Lee, said she'd like to see more spraying in light of the new case.
"With all the talk of West Nile, there should be extra spraying," she said.
Warning: Spraying practices debated by family neighbors
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Monday, August 08, 2005
Laura Booker, TX
West Nile survivor taking steps to be safe
By Guiseppe Barranco -The News staff writer Posted: 08/07/05 - 08:49:09 pm CDT
Three years have passed since Laura Booker was told by doctors she had eight hours to live from contracting the West Nile virus, but a strong will and a well-informed doctor saved her life.
In late June of 2002 Booker hosted an employee barbecue in her back yard where a mosquito carrying the West Nile virus bit her, passing the disease into her blood stream.
One week later unusual symptoms began appearing, Booker said.
"It was a week of odd things like aching, nausea and a rash. So I called a doctor," Booker added.
Booker said she was recommended to seek further attention at the hospital, but in a time of little knowledge of West Nile, Booker was sent home for a lack of showing any symptoms of a serious illness.
"As soon as I got home (from the hospital) the paralysis set in and I could barley keep my head up, so I went back in and was immediately quarantined," She said.
Booker was immediately placed in isolation for two days where she lay unconscious with a 104 degree fever.
After waking from her unconscious state, Booker was told by doctors that she had contracted West Nile and to expect only eight hours to live.
"I was not going to die there. There was no way I was going to die there, so I went home," Booker said.
Booker then checked out of the hospital and went back to her home in Nederland where friends came by to try and convince her to go back to the hospital.
After a little persuasion, Booker checked into Mid-Jefferson Hospital and was recommended to a doctor who had previously studied the virus.
The doctor immediately began Booker on a five-day transfusion of a plasma product mixed with her own spinal fluid that began reversing the West Nile effects.
Booker then spent six weeks in the hospital where her body slowly began recuperating from the damaging effects of the virus.
The West Nile virus had stripped the outer-coating off the nerves in Booker's body creating a severe loss of motor functions.
"I could not use my facial muscles. My face looked like it just fell to the side," Booker said.
After returning home Booker dedicated herself to further rehabilitation of the use of her muscles.
"I could only carry two wash cloths or one big towel, but I did anything to exercise and get my strength back," Booker said.
Severe nerve damage from the virus had doctors convinced Booker's career as a district manager for Avon had ended, but Booker proved otherwise.
"With the damage I had, they thought I would never be able to work again, but I was back in six months," Booker said.
Today, Booker continues to see the specialist once a month for the same treatment that saved her life three years ago and stores DEET-based mosquito-repellent products by each door at her home.
"The experience makes you value life a lot more. All the things you think are important, you find are really not," Booker said.
Contact this reporter at gbarranco@panews.com.
By Guiseppe Barranco -The News staff writer Posted: 08/07/05 - 08:49:09 pm CDT
Three years have passed since Laura Booker was told by doctors she had eight hours to live from contracting the West Nile virus, but a strong will and a well-informed doctor saved her life.
In late June of 2002 Booker hosted an employee barbecue in her back yard where a mosquito carrying the West Nile virus bit her, passing the disease into her blood stream.
One week later unusual symptoms began appearing, Booker said.
"It was a week of odd things like aching, nausea and a rash. So I called a doctor," Booker added.
Booker said she was recommended to seek further attention at the hospital, but in a time of little knowledge of West Nile, Booker was sent home for a lack of showing any symptoms of a serious illness.
"As soon as I got home (from the hospital) the paralysis set in and I could barley keep my head up, so I went back in and was immediately quarantined," She said.
Booker was immediately placed in isolation for two days where she lay unconscious with a 104 degree fever.
After waking from her unconscious state, Booker was told by doctors that she had contracted West Nile and to expect only eight hours to live.
"I was not going to die there. There was no way I was going to die there, so I went home," Booker said.
Booker then checked out of the hospital and went back to her home in Nederland where friends came by to try and convince her to go back to the hospital.
After a little persuasion, Booker checked into Mid-Jefferson Hospital and was recommended to a doctor who had previously studied the virus.
The doctor immediately began Booker on a five-day transfusion of a plasma product mixed with her own spinal fluid that began reversing the West Nile effects.
Booker then spent six weeks in the hospital where her body slowly began recuperating from the damaging effects of the virus.
The West Nile virus had stripped the outer-coating off the nerves in Booker's body creating a severe loss of motor functions.
"I could not use my facial muscles. My face looked like it just fell to the side," Booker said.
After returning home Booker dedicated herself to further rehabilitation of the use of her muscles.
"I could only carry two wash cloths or one big towel, but I did anything to exercise and get my strength back," Booker said.
Severe nerve damage from the virus had doctors convinced Booker's career as a district manager for Avon had ended, but Booker proved otherwise.
"With the damage I had, they thought I would never be able to work again, but I was back in six months," Booker said.
Today, Booker continues to see the specialist once a month for the same treatment that saved her life three years ago and stores DEET-based mosquito-repellent products by each door at her home.
"The experience makes you value life a lot more. All the things you think are important, you find are really not," Booker said.
Contact this reporter at gbarranco@panews.com.
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Jeanné Padilla, CA
Article published Aug 6, 2005
Routine tests for virus not necessary
By Laura Florez
Staff writer
Jeanné Padilla started feeling sick last month —headaches, fevers, diarrhea — the whole gamut.
But the 47-year-old woman didn't want to go to the doctor immediately. When her symptoms progressed, her husband insisted.
He had heard about the rise in human cases of West Nile virus in Tulare County and since his wife's symptoms were similar to those associated with the virus — fevers, headaches, and body aches —he was worried.
Padilla said she started to wonder herself.
"I was thinking this is not normal. I don't know what's wrong with me," she said.
Padilla, who later visited several doctors, became one of a growing number of Tulare County residents who this year have been tested for West Nile virus.
On average this year, 10 people a week are getting their blood tested for West Nile virus at the Tulare County Public Health Laboratory — that's up from two to three last year, said Dr. Danae Hansen, the county's public health officer.
The lab, operated by the Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency, is just one place that tests blood samples for West Nile virus after they are collected from private doctors offices, clinics and hospitals throughout the county, Hansen said.
Blood donated by Tulare County residents at the Central California Blood Center is also screened daily for West Nile virus, said Dean Eller, the center's president and chief executive officer.
If samples turn up positive for West Nile virus in blood donations — which has happened six times this year — the specimens are automatically disposed of, and the donors are notified, he said.
"If there's any question that they're not feeling well we don't want them to give and endanger the blood supply. They need to go to their physician," he said.
Increases in testing for the virus could explain why it has been found in more people this year in Tulare County, said Dr. Daniel Boken, infection control director for hospitals in Tulare County.
Already this year, 11 people have tested positive for the mosquito-borne virus in Tulare County, compared with four last year.
"Doctors are more aware. They are testing people with more reasonable symptoms," he said.
West Nile virus is transmitted to humans and animals through a mosquito bite. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds.
While most people who become infected with the virus may never show symptoms, others will.
Those who display symptoms of the virus can be tested several different ways, by blood or by spinal tap, depending on their symptoms, Hansen said.
But it isn't always as easy as someone walking into a doctor's office or a clinic and asking to be tested, health officials say.
"[Testing] is done when it's medically necessary," said Dr. Karen Haught, the county's medical director for physical health.
People suffering symptoms of West Nile fever, which according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention include fever, headache, tiredness and body aches, occasionally with a skin rash and swollen lymph glands will most likely have their blood tested after seeing their doctor, Hansen said.
Those who display symptoms such as headaches, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis, symptoms of the more severe forms of the virus, such as West Nile encephalitis or meningitis, would most likely be tested at a hospital, Hansen said.
There, they would most likely be given a lumbar puncture, more commonly known as a spinal tap, by their doctor, Haught said.
After tests are conducted, it can take up to 72 hours, sometimes longer, for test results, Boken said.
But most of the time, test results in Tulare County turn out to be negative, health officials say.
Of the 101 tests for West Nile virus conducted this year, 11 people have tested positive, county officials say. Last year, out of 87 tests, four tested positive.
Padilla, who eventually tested negative for West Nile virus, said getting tested wasn't as easy as she thinks it should be in Tulare County.
Although she visited the emergency room at Kaweah Delta Hospital and said she asked to be tested for West Nile virus, she said she was turned away without one.
Still feeling sick two days later, Padilla then went to her doctor and asked for the test.
He agreed and sent her to Kaweah Delta to have her blood drawn.
Her tests came back negative.
"It was a relief, it was one thing down, but I still don't know what was wrong," she said.
Health officials say if people in Tulare County do want to get tested for West Nile virus, they should go to their doctors and discuss their symptoms.
But Boken warns people not to get caught up in testing.
"The key is not testing people, the test is sort of well it's too late you have the infection," he said. "The key is warning people to take measures so they can minimize risk. You can encourage them to consider testing if appropriate, but it doesn't help you much."
# The reporter can be reached at lflorez@visalia.gannett.com.
Routine tests for virus not necessary
By Laura Florez
Staff writer
Jeanné Padilla started feeling sick last month —headaches, fevers, diarrhea — the whole gamut.
But the 47-year-old woman didn't want to go to the doctor immediately. When her symptoms progressed, her husband insisted.
He had heard about the rise in human cases of West Nile virus in Tulare County and since his wife's symptoms were similar to those associated with the virus — fevers, headaches, and body aches —he was worried.
Padilla said she started to wonder herself.
"I was thinking this is not normal. I don't know what's wrong with me," she said.
Padilla, who later visited several doctors, became one of a growing number of Tulare County residents who this year have been tested for West Nile virus.
On average this year, 10 people a week are getting their blood tested for West Nile virus at the Tulare County Public Health Laboratory — that's up from two to three last year, said Dr. Danae Hansen, the county's public health officer.
The lab, operated by the Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency, is just one place that tests blood samples for West Nile virus after they are collected from private doctors offices, clinics and hospitals throughout the county, Hansen said.
Blood donated by Tulare County residents at the Central California Blood Center is also screened daily for West Nile virus, said Dean Eller, the center's president and chief executive officer.
If samples turn up positive for West Nile virus in blood donations — which has happened six times this year — the specimens are automatically disposed of, and the donors are notified, he said.
"If there's any question that they're not feeling well we don't want them to give and endanger the blood supply. They need to go to their physician," he said.
Increases in testing for the virus could explain why it has been found in more people this year in Tulare County, said Dr. Daniel Boken, infection control director for hospitals in Tulare County.
Already this year, 11 people have tested positive for the mosquito-borne virus in Tulare County, compared with four last year.
"Doctors are more aware. They are testing people with more reasonable symptoms," he said.
West Nile virus is transmitted to humans and animals through a mosquito bite. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds.
While most people who become infected with the virus may never show symptoms, others will.
Those who display symptoms of the virus can be tested several different ways, by blood or by spinal tap, depending on their symptoms, Hansen said.
But it isn't always as easy as someone walking into a doctor's office or a clinic and asking to be tested, health officials say.
"[Testing] is done when it's medically necessary," said Dr. Karen Haught, the county's medical director for physical health.
People suffering symptoms of West Nile fever, which according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention include fever, headache, tiredness and body aches, occasionally with a skin rash and swollen lymph glands will most likely have their blood tested after seeing their doctor, Hansen said.
Those who display symptoms such as headaches, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis, symptoms of the more severe forms of the virus, such as West Nile encephalitis or meningitis, would most likely be tested at a hospital, Hansen said.
There, they would most likely be given a lumbar puncture, more commonly known as a spinal tap, by their doctor, Haught said.
After tests are conducted, it can take up to 72 hours, sometimes longer, for test results, Boken said.
But most of the time, test results in Tulare County turn out to be negative, health officials say.
Of the 101 tests for West Nile virus conducted this year, 11 people have tested positive, county officials say. Last year, out of 87 tests, four tested positive.
Padilla, who eventually tested negative for West Nile virus, said getting tested wasn't as easy as she thinks it should be in Tulare County.
Although she visited the emergency room at Kaweah Delta Hospital and said she asked to be tested for West Nile virus, she said she was turned away without one.
Still feeling sick two days later, Padilla then went to her doctor and asked for the test.
He agreed and sent her to Kaweah Delta to have her blood drawn.
Her tests came back negative.
"It was a relief, it was one thing down, but I still don't know what was wrong," she said.
Health officials say if people in Tulare County do want to get tested for West Nile virus, they should go to their doctors and discuss their symptoms.
But Boken warns people not to get caught up in testing.
"The key is not testing people, the test is sort of well it's too late you have the infection," he said. "The key is warning people to take measures so they can minimize risk. You can encourage them to consider testing if appropriate, but it doesn't help you much."
# The reporter can be reached at lflorez@visalia.gannett.com.
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