Physical and Occupational Therapy Continuing Education

Continuing education for physical therapists, occupational
therapists, and other healthcare professionals

 

Course Price  $18.00

Contact Hours  2

Instructions  Study the course, then take the test. You can also print the course and test questions and return later to take the test.

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West Nile Virus

Lauren Robertson, MPT

Susan Walters Schmid, BA, MA, PhD (candidate)

This course is free through September 30, 2008.

Occupational therapy courses are accredited by AOTA and are accepted by the NBCOT Certification Renewal program. For information specific to this course, click here. Physical therapists—please click here for accreditation information.

 
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LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Summarize the geographic progress of WNV in the United States.
  • Describe the life cycle of the mosquito and its impact on the spread of the virus to humans.
  • Identify the signs and symptoms of WNV in the human population.
  • Report the effectiveness of the WNV vaccine in horses.
  • Evaluate community surveillance and prevention programs to prevent the spread of WNV into local mosquito and animal populations.
 

West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus that was recently introduced into the temperate regions of North America and Europe. While it is not known how long the virus has been in the United States, CDC officials believe it has been in the eastern United States since at least summer 1999 (CDC, 2004f). Experts believe WNV is established as a seasonal epidemic in North America that flares up in the summer and continues into the fall (CDC, 2006f).

West Nile virus is an arbovirus, meaning it is spread by an arthropod—in this case the Culex mosquito. Birds infected by a WNV-carrying mosquito inadvertently spread the virus when mosquitoes take a blood meal from the bird (Figure 1). Although most birds infected with WNV will not die, the occurrence of large numbers of bird deaths is a sentinel event and signals the presence of WNV in a particular geographic area.

mosquito

Figure 1    Mosquito feeding. Culex pipiens mosquitoes carry West Nile virus. Photo courtesy of CDC.

People and other animals, particularly horses, can be infected by a mosquito that has fed on an infected bird. Because the virus must enter the bloodstream to cause an infection, it is not likely for an individual to become infected by having casual contact with infected birds, animals, or people. There is no evidence that birds can directly infect other birds or animals.

There are no reported cases of animal-to-human infection other than mosquitoes. There are a number of alternative modes of transmission to humans of WNV; however, it should be noted that these represent a very small proportion of cases. These alternative modes are: organ transplants, blood transfusions, breast milk, trans-placental (mother-to-child), and occupational exposure (CDC, 2007a).

West Nile virus can cause mild or severe symptoms. Most people who become infected with WNV develop no clinical illness or symptoms. In previous outbreaks in the Northern Hemisphere, an estimated 80% of people who became infected never developed symptoms attributable to the infection. Of the approximately 20% of infected people who do develop symptoms, most develop what has been termed West Nile fever. The incubation period for WNV infection is thought to range from about 3 to 14 days from the time of the mosquito bite, although longer incubation periods have been documented in immunosuppressed persons (CDC, 2007a, 2004a).

The most severe response to being infected with West Nile virus is sometimes called "neuro-invasive disease," because it affects a person's nervous system. Specific types of neuro-invasive disease include:

  • West Nile encephalitis
  • West Nile meningitis
  • West Nile meningo-encephalitis
  • West Nile poliomyelitis

Serious illness can occur in people of any age, however people over age 50 and some who are immuno-compromised (eg, transplant patients) are at the highest risk for becoming severely ill when infected with WNV. Less than 1% of people who become infected with West Nile virus will develop severe illness—most people who get infected do not develop any disease at all (CDC, 2006a).

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION

West Nile virus is present in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, west and central Asia, Oceania, and North America. In the United States from 1999 through 2007 WNV has been documented in every area except Alaska and Hawaii (see Figure 2, below).

The discovery of virus-infected, overwintering mosquitoes during the winter of 1999–2000 in New York focused on identifying and documenting WNV infections in birds, mosquitoes and horses as sentinel animals that could predict the occurrence of human disease. By the end of the 2000 transmission season, WNV activity had been identified in a twelve-state area from Vermont and New Hampshire in the north to North Carolina in the south (CDC, 2003a).

The 2002 WNV epidemic was the largest recognized arboviral meningoencephalitis epidemic in the Western Hemisphere and the largest WNV meningoencephalitis epidemic ever recorded. Significant human disease activity was recorded in Canada for the first time, and WNV activity was also documented in the Caribbean basin and Mexico (CDC, 2003a).

By 2004 WNV had spread to the west coast of the United States; in early 2004 the first confirmed case of WNV was reported in California, including one death. By the end of 2007, WNV had spread to all areas of the country except Alaska and Hawaii (Figure 2) (CDC, 2008).

map

Figure 2     2007 West Nile Virus activity in the United States. This map reflects surveillance findings occurring from January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007 as reported to CDC's ArboNET system for public distribution by state and local health departments. Map shows the distribution of avian, animal, or mosquito infection occurring during 2007 with the number of human cases, if any, by state. If West Nile virus infection is reported to CDC from any area of a state, that entire state is shaded.

EPIDEMIOLOGY

West Nile virus is a member of the family Flaviridae (genus Flavivirus), part of the Japanese encephalitis virus complex that includes St. Louis encephalitis (SLE), Japanese encephalitis, dengue, tick-borne encephalitis, yellow fever, Kunjin, and Murray Valley encephalitis viruses, as well as others. For unknown reasons, deaths among birds from WNV infection have occurred only in the United States, Israel, Canada, and Mexico. Since 1999, very few genetic changes have occurred in the WNV strains circulating in the United States (CDC, 2004b).

West Nile virus (WNV) was first isolated and identified in 1937 in a febrile person in the West Nile district of Uganda. Prior to 1999, the virus was found only in the Eastern Hemisphere, with wide distribution in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. There were infrequent reports of human outbreaks, mainly associated with mild febrile illnesses, in Israel and Africa. These were mostly in groups of soldiers, children, and healthy adults. One notable outbreak in Israeli nursing homes in 1957 was associated with severe neurologic disease and death (CDC, 2004c).

Since the mid-1990s, the frequency and apparent clinical severity of WNV outbreaks have increased. Outbreaks in Romania (1996), Russia (1999), and Israel (2000) involved hundreds of persons with severe neurologic disease. It is unclear if this apparent change in disease severity and frequency is due to differences in the circulating virus's virulence or to changes in the age structure, background immunity, or prevalence of other predisposing chronic conditions in the affected populations (CDC, 2004c).

The first appearance of WNV in North America was in 1999, with encephalitis reported in humans and horses, and the subsequent spread in the United States may be an important milestone in the evolving history of this virus (CDC, 2003a). The spread of WNV in North America has been rapid. From 1999 through April 8, 2008 there were more than 27,000 confirmed cases of WNV human illness in the United States reported to CDC and 1086 fatalities (Table 1).

TABLE 1 WNV HUMAN CASE COUNT, APRIL 2008
Year Confirmed Cases Fatalities
1999 62 7
2000 21 2
2001 66 9
2002 4156 284
2003 9862 264
2004 2539 100
2005 3000 119
2006 4269 177
2007 3623 124
2008
(through April 8)
3 0
Totals 27601 1086
Source: CDC, 2008.

Among all reported cases in humans the median age is 55; 54% of cases are in men and 46% are in women. In 2002 the epidemic peaked during the week ending August 17 in the southern states and the week ending August 24 in the northern states. During 2002, Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio had the highest caseloads (CDC, 2003a). Table 2 shows the activity of West Nile virus for the year 2007.

TABLE 2 2007 WNV ACTIVITY IN THE UNITED STATES
State Encephalitis/ Meningitis Fever Other Clinical/ Unspecified Total Fatalities
Alabama 17 7 0 24 3
Arizona 50 45 2 97 6
Arkansas 13 7 0 20 1
California 154 220 6 380 20
Colorado 99 477 0 576 7
Connecticut 2 2 0 4 0
Delaware 1 0 0 1 0
Florida 3 0 0 3 1
Georgia 23 24 3 50 1
Idaho 10 120 2 132 1
Illinois 57 26 18 101 4
Indiana 14 7 3 24 1
Iowa 12 15 3 30 3
Kansas 14 26 0 40 2
Kentucky 4 0 0 4 0
Louisiana 27 13 0 40 2
Maryland 6 3 1 10 0
Massachusetts 3 3 0 6 0
Michigan 14 1 2 17 4
Minnesota 44 57 0 101 2
Mississippi 50 86 0 136 4
Missouri 61 16 0 77 5
Montana 37 164 1 202 4
Nebraska 21 142 0 163 4
Nevada 2 6 4 12 1
New Jersey 1 0 0 1 0
New Mexico 39 21 0 60 3
New York 16 6 0 22 3
North Carolina 4 4 0 8 0
North Dakota 49 320 0 369 3
Ohio 13 9 1 23 3
Oklahoma 59 47 1 107 8
Oregon 7 19 0 26 0
Pennsylvania 5 5 0 10 0
Rhode Island 0 1 0 1 0
South Carolina 3 2 0 5 0
South Dakota 48 160 0 208 6
Tennessee 5 3 3 11 1
Texas 170 90 0 260 16
Utah 28 42 0 70 2
Virginia 3 1 1 5 0
Wisconsin 7 6 0 13 1
Wyoming 22 147 12 181 2
Totals 1217 2350 63 3630 124
Source: CDC, 2008.
Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/surv&controlCaseCount07_detailed.htm.

ENTOMOLOGY

Mosquito Life Cycle

Mosquitoes are insects. They go through four life stages (complete metamorphosis) and look completely different at each stage: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The first three life stages are spent in water or wet places. Adults emerge from the pupal stage full size and able to fly. Adult females bite to get a blood meal that provides the nutrients they need to form each brood of eggs (CDC, 2004d).

Mosquito life cycle: eggs, larva, pupa. adult

Figure 3    The mosquito life cycle. Courtesy of CDC.

There are about 200 different species of mosquitoes in the United States, all of which live in specific habitats, exhibit unique behaviors, and bite different types of animals. Despite these differences, all mosquitoes share some common traits, such as a four-stage life cycle. After the female mosquito obtains a blood meal (male mosquitoes do not bite), she lays her eggs directly on the surface of stagnant water, in a depression, or on the edge of a container where rainwater may collect and flood the eggs (CDC, 2004d).

mosquito

Figure 4    A female mosquito laying her eggs in a stagnant body of water. Courtesy of CDC.

The eggs hatch and a mosquito larva or "wriggler" emerges. The larva lives in the water, feeds and develops into a pupa or "tumbler." The pupa also lives in the water, but no longer feeds. Finally, the mosquito emerges from the pupal stage and the water as a fully developed adult, ready to bite (CDC, 2004d).

Culex Mosquitoes

Although over 60 species of mosquitoes have tested positive for the West Nile virus, Culex pipiens (Northern house mosquitoes) are the species of mosquitoes most closely associated with transmitting WNV in the Northeast United States. These mosquitoes "prefer" to bite birds, but if breeding sites are available near homes and domestic animal enclosures, Culex pipiens may bite people and domestic animals. Culex pipiens are most active between dawn and dusk. Culex quinquefasciatus (Southern house mosquitoes) fill this niche in the southern United States (CDC, 2003a).

Some other types of mosquitoes have been found to be WNV-positive in the United States. These include Culex salinarius and Aedes vexans, which are of potential concern because they feed more readily on mammals, including humans, than do other mosquito species associated with WNV. (Cx. Pipiens, Cx. restuans, and Culiseta melanura all prefer to feed on birds). Some of these species bite during the daytime. In all, 62 species of mosquitoes are known to be infected with WNV (CDC, 2007b, 2003a).

Transmission Cycle

In 1999 WNV was transmitted principally by Culex species mosquitoes. In 2000 a total of fourteen WNV-infected mosquito species were identified, although 89% of positive mosquito pools were Culex. In contrast to Culex, many of these other species are daytime feeders and mammal feeders. The effect that this widened spectrum of WNV-infected mosquito species will have on WNV ecology in the United States is not known (CDC, 2003a).

transmission cycle graphic

Figure 5    West Nile virus transmission cycle. Courtesy of CDC.

Infectious mosquitoes carry virus particles in their salivary glands and infect susceptible bird species during blood-meal feeding. Birds will sustain an infectious viremia (virus circulating in the bloodstream) for 1 to 4 days after exposure, after which these hosts develop lifelong immunity. People, horses, and most other mammals are not known to develop infectious-level viremias very often, and thus are probably "dead-end" or incidental-hosts (CDC, 2007c).

Birds

Mortality in a wide variety of bird species has been a hallmark of WNV in the United States. The reasons for this are not known; however, public health officials were able to use bird mortality (particularly birds from the family Corvidae such as crows, blue jays, and ravens) to effectively track WNV expansion in 2000.

Although WNV infection is fatal in a large percentage of Corvids, many other bird species survive WNV infection. It is not known if affected birds develop immunity or if they become chronically infected and susceptible to related illness during times of stress. Supportive treatment with antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories early in the illness appears to help. Migrating birds likely contribute to natural transmission cycles and dispersal of the virus (Cornell University, 2005a).

Through April 2007 WNV had been detected in at least 317 bird species. The following bird species have been reported to CDC's West Nile Virus avian mortality database from 1999 to 2007 (CDC, 2007d).

TABLE 3 BIRD SPECIES WITH WNV INFECTION
(updated April 29, 2007)
  Bird Species Common Name Native/Exotic/Captive
1Abyssinian Ground-HornbillExotic-Captive
2Acorn WoodpeckerNative
3African Grey ParrotExotic-Captive
4African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus)Exotic-Captive
5American CootNative
6American CrowNative
7American DipperNative
8American GoldfinchNative
9American KestrelNative
10American RobinNative
11American White PelicanNative
12Anna's HummingbirdNative
13Bald EagleNative
14Baltimore OrioleNative
15Band-tailed PigeonNative
16Bank SwallowNative
17Barn OwlNative
18Barn SwallowNative
19Barred OwlNative
20Belted KingfisherNative
21Black PhoebeNative
22Black SkimmerNative
23Black VultureNative
24Black-billed MagpieNative
25Black-capped ChickadeeNative
26Black-capped LoryExotic-Captive
27Black-chinned SparrowNative
28Black-crowned Night HeronNative
29Black-headed GrosbeakNative
30Blackpoll WarblerNative
31Black-throated Blue WarblerNative
32Black-throated Gray WarblerNative
33Black-whiskered VireoNative
34Blue JayNative
35Blue-crowned ConureExotic-Captive
36Blue-eared PheasantExotic-Captive
37Blue-streaked LoryExotic-Captive
38Blythe's TragopanExotic-Captive
39Boat-tailed GrackleNative
40BobolinkNative
41Boreal OwlNative
42Brewer's BlackbirdNative
43Broad-winged HawkNative
44Bronze-winged DuckNative
45Brown ThrasherNative
46Brown-headed CowbirdNative
47BudgerigarExotic-Captive
48BuffleheadNative
49Bullock's OrioleNative
50Burrowing OwlNative
51BushtitNative
52Cactus WrenNative
53California CondorNative
54California GullNative
55California QuailNative
56California TowheeNative
57Canada GooseNative
58Canada WarblerNative
59Canary-winged ParakeetExotic-Captive
60CanvasbackNative
61Carolina ChickadeeNative
62Carolina WrenNative
63Caspian TernNative
64Cassin's FinchNative
65Cattle EgretNative
66Cedar WaxwingNative
67Chestnut-backed ChickadeeNative
68Chihuahuan RavenNative
69Chilean FlamingoExotic-Captive
70Chimney SwiftNative
71Chinese GooseExotic-Captive
72Chipping SparrowNative
73ChukarIntroduced
74Cinereus VultureExotic-Captive
75Cinnamon TealNative
76Clapper RailNative
77Clark's GrebeNative
78Clark's NutcrackerNative
79Cliff SwallowNative
80CockatielExotic-Captive
81CockatooExotic-Captive
82Common Black HawkNative
83Common CanaryExotic-Captive
84Common GoldeneyeNative
85Common GrackleNative
86Common Ground-DoveNative
87Common LoonNative
88Common MerganserNative
89Common MoorhenNative
90Common NighthawkNative
91Common PeafowlExotic-Captive
92Common RavenNative
93Common YellowthroatNative
94Cooper's HawkNative
95Crimson RosellaExotic-Captive
96Dark-eyed JuncoNative
97DickcisselNative
98Domestic ChickenExotic-Captive
99Double-crested CormorantNative
100Downy WoodpeckerNative
101Dusky LoryExotic-Captive
102Eastern BluebirdNative
103Eastern KingbirdNative
104Eastern PhoebeNative
105Eastern Screech-OwlNative
106Eastern TowheeNative
107Elegant Crested TinamouExotic-Captive
108Elf OwlNative
109Emperor GooseExotic-Captive
110EmuExotic-Captive
111Eurasian Collared-DoveIntroduced
112Eurasian JayExotic-Captive
113Eurasian WigeonNative
114European GoldfinchExotic-Captive
115European StarlingIntroduced
116Evening GrosbeakNative
117Ferruginous HawkNative
118Field SparrowNative
119Fish CrowNative
120Flammulated OwlNative
121Fox SparrowNative
122Gila WoodpeckerNative
123Glaucous-winged GullNative
124Golden EagleNative
125Golden-crowned SparrowNative
126Gouldian FinchExotic-Captive
127Gray CatbirdNative
128Gray-cheeked ThrushNative
129Great Black-backed GullNative
130Great Blue HeronNative
131Great Crested FlycatcherNative
132Great EgretNative
133Great Gray OwlNative
134Great Horned OwlNative
135Greater FlamingoExotic-Captive
136Greater Prairie-ChickenNative
137Greater RoadrunnerNative
138Greater Sage-GrouseNative
139Greater ScaupNative
140Greater White-fronted GooseNative
141Great-tailed GrackleNative
142Green HeronNative
143Green-winged TealNative
144Guanay CormorantExotic-Captive
145GyrfalconNative-Captive
146Hairy WoodpeckerNative
147Hammond's FlycatcherNative
148Harris' HawkNative
149Hawaiian Goose (Nene)Exotic-Captive
150Hermit ThrushNative
151Herring GullNative
152Hooded CrowNative
153Hooded MerganserNative
154Hooded OrioleNative
155Hooded WarblerNative
156House FinchNative
157House SparrowIntroduced
158House WrenNative
159Humboldt PenguinExotic-Captive
160Impeyan PheasantExotic-Captive
161Inca DoveNative
162Inca TernExotic-Captive
163Kentucky WarblerNative
164KilldeerNative
165Lark SparrowNative
166Laughing GullNative
167Least BitternNative
168Least TernNative
169Lesser GoldfinchNative
170Lesser NighthawkNative
171Lesser ScaupNative
172Lewis' WoodpeckerNative
173LimpkinNative
174Lincoln's SparrowNative
175Loggerhead ShrikeNative
176Long-eared OwlNative
177MacawExotic-Captive
178MallardNative
179MerlinNative
180Mexican JayNative
181Micronesian KingfisherExotic-Captive
182Mississippi KiteNative
183Monal PheasantExotic-Captive
184Mottled DuckNative
185Mountain BluebirdNative
186Mountain ChickadeeNative
187Mountain QuailNative
188Mourning DoveNative
189Muscovy DuckExotic-Captive
190Mute SwanIntroduced
191Nashville WarblerNative
192Northern BobwhiteNative
193Northern CardinalNative
194Northern FlickerNative
195Northern GoshawkNative
196Northern HarrierNative
197Northern Hawk-OwlNative
198Northern MockingbirdNative
199Northern ParulaNative
200Northern Saw-whet OwlNative
201Northern WaterthrushNative
202Nutmeg MannikinExotic-Captive
203Nuttall's WoodpeckerNative
204Oak TitmouseNative
205Olive-sided FlycatcherNative
206Orange-crowned WarblerNative
207Orchard OrioleNative
208OspreyNative
209OvenbirdNative
210Pacific ParrotletExotic-Captive
211Pacific-slope FlycatcherNative
212Pale-headed RosellaExotic-Captive
213Palm TanagerExotic-Captive
214Pelagic CormorantNative
215Peregrine FalconNative
216Pied-billed GrebeNative
217Pine SiskinNative
218Pinyon JayNative
219Piping PloverNative
220Prairie FalconNative
221Puna TealExotic-Captive
222Purple FinchNative
233Purple GallinuleNative
224Purple MartinNative
225Pygmy NuthatchNative
226Rainbow LorikeetExotic-Captive
227Red CrossbillNative
228Red LoryExotic-Captive
229Red-bellied WoodpeckerNative
230Red-breasted GooseExotic-Captive
231Red-breasted NuthatchNative
232Red-breasted SapsuckerNative
233Red-crowned ParrotExotic-Captive
234Red-eyed VireoNative
235Red-headed WoodpeckerNative
236Red-shouldered HawkNative
237Red-tailed HawkNative
238Red-winged BlackbirdNative
239Ring-billed GullNative
240Ringed Turtle-DoveIntroduced
241Ring-necked PheasantIntroduced
242Rock PigeonIntroduced
243Rose-breasted GrosbeakNative
244Rough-legged HawkNative
245Ruby-throated HummingbirdNative
246Ruddy DuckNative
247Ruddy TurnstoneNative
248Ruffed GrouseNative
249Rufous HummingbirdNative
250Rusty BlackbirdNative
251Sandhill CraneNative
252Satyr TragopanExotic-Captive
253Savannah SparrowNative
254Scarlet IbisExotic-Captive
255Scarlet TanagerNative
256Scissor-tailed FlycatcherNative
257Sharp-shinned HawkNative
258Short-eared OwlNative
259SmewExotic-Captive
260Snowy EgretNative
261Snowy OwlNative
262Society FinchExotic-Captive
263Song SparrowNative
264SoraNative
265Spotted OwlNative-Captive
266Spotted TowheeNative
267Steller's JayNative
268Swainson's HawkNative
269Swainson's ThrushNative
270Swallow-tailed KiteNative
271Swamp SparrowNative
272Tawny OwlExotic-Captive
273Tennessee WarblerNative
274Thayer's GullNative
275Thick-billed ParrotExotic-Captive
276Townsend's WarblerNative
277Tree SwallowNative
278Tufted TitmouseNative
279Tundra SwanNative
280Turkey VultureNative
281Varied ThrushNative
282Varied TitExotic-Captive
283VeeryNative
284Violet-necked LorikeetExotic-Captive
285Virginia RailNative
286Warbling VireoNative
287Wedge-tail EagleExotic-Captive
288Western BluebirdNative
289Western KingbirdNative
290Western MeadowlarkNative
291Western SandpiperNative
292Western Screech-OwlNative
293Western Scrub-JayNative
294Western TanagerNative
295Whip-poor-willNative
296White-breasted NuthatchNative
297White-crowned PigeonNative
298White-crowned SparrowNative
299White-faced IbisNative
300White-tailed KiteNative
301White-winged DoveNative
302Wild TurkeyNative
303Willow FlycatcherNative
304Wilson's WarblerNative
305Winter WrenNative
306Wood DuckNative
307Wood ThrushNative
308Yellow WarblerNative
309Yellow-bellied SapsuckerNative
310Yellow-billed CuckooNative
311Yellow-billed DuckExotic-Captive
312Yellow-billed MagpieNative
313Yellow-crowned Night-HeronNative
314Yellow-rumped WarblerNative
315Yellow-throated WarblerNative
316Zebra FinchExotic-Captive
317Zenaida DoveExotic-Captive
Source: CDC, 2007d.
Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/birdspecies.htm.

There is no evidence that an individual can get WNV from handling live or dead infected birds. But people should avoid bare-handed contact when handling any dead animals, and use gloves or double plastic bags to place the bird carcass in a garbage bag or contact their local health department for guidance (CDC, 2007c).

Dogs and Cats

West Nile virus does not appear to cause extensive illness in dogs or cats. There is a single published report of WNV isolated from a dog in southern Africa (Botswana) in 1982. West Nile virus was isolated from a single dead cat in 1999. A sero-survey in New York City of dogs in the 1999 epidemic area indicated that dogs are frequently infected. Nonetheless, disease from WNV infection in dogs has yet to be documented (CDC, 2007c).

There is no documented evidence of person-to-person or animal-to-person transmission of WNV. Because WNV is transmitted by infectious mosquitoes, dogs or cats could be exposed to the virus in the same way humans become infected. Veterinarians should take normal infection-control precautions when caring for an animal suspected to have WNV infection (CDC, 2007c).

It is possible that dogs and cats could become infected by eating dead infected animals such as birds, but this is undocumented. There is no reason to destroy an animal just because it has been infected with WNV. Full recovery from the infection is likely. Treatment would be supportive and consistent with standard veterinary practices for animals infected with a viral agent (CDC, 2007c).

Horses

Cases of WNV disease in horses have been documented, either by virus isolation or by detection of WN virus-neutralizing antibodies in 1999, 2000, and 2001 (Figure 6). Approximately 40% of equine WN virus cases results in the death of the horse. Horses most likely become infected with WNV in the same way humans become infected, by the bite of infectious mosquitoes (CDC, 2007c).

map

Figure 6    Equine cases of West Nile virus during 2007, state by state. Total cases: 468. Courtesy of USDA, 2008.

In locations where WNV is circulating, horses should be protected from mosquito bites as much as possible. Horses vaccinated against Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), Western equine encephalitis (WEE), and Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) are not protected against WNV infection (CDC, 2007c). According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), 1086 cases of equine WNV encephalitis were predicted in the United States; however, as of October 2007, only 250 cases had been reported. The presumption is that the decline is due to both vaccination programs and natural immunity (AAEP, 2008).

The mortality rate for horses exhibiting clinical signs of West Nile virus infection is approximately 33%. Data has supported that 40% of horses that survive the acute illness caused by WNV still exhibit residual effects, such as gait and behavioral abnormalities that were attributed to the illness by owners 6 months post diagnosis (AAEP, 2008).

There is no reason to destroy a horse just because it has been infected with WNV. Data suggest that most horses recover from the infection. Treatment would be supportive and consistent with standard veterinary practices for animals infected with a viral agent (CDC, 2007c).

Signs of severe WNV illness in horses may include ataxia (lack of coordination, stumbling, staggering), difficulty walking, knuckling over, head tilt, muscle twitches or tremors, inability to stand, circling, weakness or paralysis of limbs, apparent blindness, lip droop, grinding teeth, and death. However, these symptoms could also be caused by other diseases including rabies, eastern and western equine encephalitis virus infections, and equine herpes virus-1 infection (USDA, 2004).

HORSE VACCINE

There are currently three licensed equine vaccines available: inactivated whole virus vaccine, recombinant vector vaccine, and modified live chimera vaccine. Efficacy of all three vaccines appears to be approximately 95%. Schedules and procedures for each vaccine vary and more detailed information is available at http://www.aaep.org/wnv.htm. In all cases horses should be vaccinated prior to mosquito season and booster shots will be necessary (AAEP, 2008). Use of these vaccines is no longer restricted to licensed veterinarians (USDA, 2004).

Other Vertebrates

The CDC has also received a small number of reports of WNV infection in bats, a chipmunk, a skunk, a squirrel, and a domestic rabbit (Cornell University, 2005a).

CLINICAL FINDINGS

Signs and Symptoms

Most people who become infected with WNV do not get sick. If infection does occur, it may take 3 to 14 days to become ill. Older people are more likely to become very ill from WNV. It is estimated that about 20% of the people who become infected will develop West Nile fever: the symptoms include fever, headache, and fatigue. Occasionally symptoms may include a skin rash on the trunk of the body, swollen lymph glands, or eye pain (CDC, 2004a).

Most WNV infections are mild and often clinically unapparent:

  • Approximately 20% of those infected develop a mild illness (West Nile fever)
  • The incubation period is thought to range from 3 to 14 days
  • Symptoms generally last 3 to 6 days (CDC, 2004a)

Severe infection (West Nile encephalitis or meningitis) is sometimes referred to as "neuro-invasive disease." It is estimated that approximately 1 in 150 persons infected with the WNV will develop a more severe form of disease (CDC, 2006a, 2004a). The most significant risk factor for developing severe neurologic disease is advanced age. Encephalitis is more commonly reported than meningitis.

Neurologic presentations included:

  • ataxia and extrapyramidal signs
  • optic neuritis
  • cranial nerve abnormalities
  • polyradiculitis
  • myelitis
  • seizures

A minority of patients with severe disease developed a maculopapular or morbilliform rash involving the neck, trunk, arms, or legs. Several patients experienced severe muscle weakness and flaccid paralysis (CDC, March 2004). Although not observed in recent outbreaks, myocarditis, pancreatitis, and fulminant hepatitis have been described (CDC, 2004a).

In 1999 in New York, approximately 40% of laboratory-positive humans with encephalitis or meningitis had severe muscle weakness; 10% developed flaccid paralysis with electromyographic findings consistent with axonal neuropathy.

Healthcare and Laboratory Workers

People working outdoors when mosquitoes are actively biting are at risk of infection and should be educated about this occupational health issue and available recommendations. Although WNV is most often transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes, the virus can also be transmitted through contact with infected animals, their blood, or other tissues. Thus laboratory, field, and clinical workers who handle tissues or fluids infected with WNV or who perform necropsies are at risk of WNV exposure (CDC NIOSH, 2006).

These workers include laboratory diagnosticians and technicians, pathologists, researchers, veterinarians and their staff, wildlife rehabilitators, entomologists, ornithologists, wildlife biologists, zoo and aviary curators, health care workers, emergency response and public safety personnel, public health workers, and others in related occupations (CDC NIOSH, 2006).

WNV may be present in blood, serum, tissues and CSF of infected humans, birds, mammals and reptiles. The virus has been found in the oral fluids and feces of birds. Parenteral inoculation with contaminated materials poses the greatest hazard for laboratory workers and contact exposure of broken skin is a possible risk. Sharps precautions should be strictly adhered to when handling potentially infectious materials. Workers performing necropsies on infected animals may be at high risk of infection (CDC, 2003a).

TESTING AND TREATMENT

West Nile virus (WNV) infection can be suspected in a person based on clinical symptoms and patient history. Laboratory testing is required for a confirmed diagnosis.

The most commonly used WNV laboratory test measures antibodies that are produced very early in the infected person. These antibodies, called IgM antibodies, can be measured in blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This blood test may not be positive when symptoms first occur; however, the test is positive in most infected people within 8 days of onset of symptoms.

A test for WNV IgM-antibody is used by CDC, state and local public health labs, and, increasingly, at private laboratories. When testing is conducted at private laboratories, the health department or CDC will often confirm results in their own laboratories before officially reporting WNV cases.

In some instances, health departments may conduct or request additional testing from CDC before officially reporting a case to CDC's ArboNET Surveillance System. The state or CDC reference laboratory may repeat the initial IgM-antibody testing. A state may also perform or ask CDC to perform an additional, different test on a specimen (CDC, 2007e).

There is no specific treatment for WNV infection, and care is supportive in nature. In severe cases, supportive care often involves hospitalization, intravenous fluids, respiratory support, and prevention of secondary infections. (CDC, 2007e, 2004e). Clinical trials involving both drugs and potential vaccines are ongoing.

In severe cases, when WNV meningitis, encephalitis, or other neurologic symptoms are present, intravenous hydration and mechanical ventilation may be needed. The American College of Physicians (ACP) recommends the following non-drug therapy in severe cases:

  • Treat fluid and electrolyte derangements with intravenous fluids.
  • Provide ventilatory support for respiratory compromise.
  • Consider hyperventilation for cerebral edema. (ACP, 2006)

Drug therapy includes:

  • Consider acyclovir if HSV cannot be excluded.
  • Consider corticosteroids or mannitol for cerebral edema.
  • Consider anticonvulsant medications.
  • Consider enrollment in clinical antiviral trials if available. (ACP, 2006)

PREVENTION

Exposure to WNV can be prevented in two ways: (1) personal protective measures to reduce contact with mosquitoes, and (2) public health measures to reduce the population of infected mosquitoes in the environment. Personal protection measures include reducing time outdoors, particularly in early evening hours, wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts, and applying mosquito repellent to exposed skin areas (CDC, 2003a).

Public health measures include elimination of larval habitats or spraying of insecticides to kill juvenile (larvae) and adult mosquitoes. In emergency situations, wide-area aerial spraying is used to quickly reduce the number of adult mosquitoes. Precautions should continue until there have been two hard frosts (CDC, 2003a).

A critical component of any prevention and control program for vector-borne diseases is public education about these diseases, how they are transmitted, and how to prevent or reduce risk of exposure (CDC, 2003a). As stated earlier, mosquitoes breed in wet areas, and Culex are found particularly where there is decaying organic matter (eg, leaves, grass clippings, animal wastes).

There does not have to be much water and the water does not have to be left standing for very long. Thus, they can reproduce throughout the mosquito breeding season in your area (and especially after each rainstorm, drizzle, watering of the garden, or washing of the car).

Follow these guidelines for eliminating potential mosquito breeding habitat:

  • Eliminate or empty the artificial water-collecting containers that are prime breeding spots for the mosquito species implicated in transmission of WNV.
  • Clean out rain gutters.
  • Aerate swimming pools and ponds (and perhaps stock with mosquito-eating fish). Empty unused buckets, water troughs, and the like.
  • Keep unused tires under cover so they do not collect water.
  • Drill drainage holes in tires and other containers used in construction sites, farms, gardens, and play areas.
  • Clean bird baths and animal water bowls at least once a week.
  • Avoid mosquito bites by wearing long clothes and/or by using insect repellent when out after dusk or in shaded areas (such as woods) during the daytime. This is when and where most vector species are more likely to bite.
  • People should be especially careful when in mass gatherings (crowds) where the CO2 given off by the crowd attracts more mosquitoes from a greater distance. (CDC, 2003a)

Repellents

Repellents are an important tool to assist people in protecting themselves from mosquito-borne diseases. A wide variety of insect repellent products are available. The CDC recommends the use of products containing active ingredients that have been registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use as repellents applied to skin and clothing. EPA registration of repellent active ingredients indicates the materials have been reviewed and approved for efficacy and human safety when applied according to the instructions on the label (CDC, 2007f, 2006e).

Of the active ingredients registered with the EPA, two have demonstrated a higher degree of efficacy in the peer-reviewed literature. Products containing these active ingredients typically provide longer-lasting protection than others:

  • DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide)
  • Picaridin (KBR 3023) (CDC, 2007f, 2006e)

Repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane 3, 8-diol [PMD]), a plant-derived active ingredient, are also registered with EPA. In two recent scientific publications, when repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus were tested against mosquitoes found in the United States they provided protection similar to repellents with low concentrations of DEET. This recommendation refers to EPA-registered repellents containing the active ingredient oil of lemon eucalyptus (PMD). "Pure" oil of lemon eucalyptus (eg, essential oil) has not received similar, validated testing for safety and efficacy, is not registered with EPA as an insect repellent, and is not covered by this CDC recommendation (CDC, 2007f, 2006e).

In addition, certain products that contain permethrin are recommended for use on clothing, shoes, bed nets, and camping gear, and are registered with EPA for this use. Permethrin is highly effective as an insecticide and as a repellent. Permethrin-treated clothing repels and kills ticks, mosquitoes, and other arthropods and retains this effect after repeated laundering. The permethrin insecticide should be reapplied following the label instructions. Some commercial products are available pretreated with permethrin (CDC, 2007f, 2006e). Permethrin is not to be used directly on skin (CDC, 2007f).

Length of protection from mosquito bites varies with the amount of active ingredient, ambient temperature, amount of physical activity/perspiration, any water exposure, abrasive removal, and other factors. For long duration protection use a long-lasting (micro-encapsulated) formula and re-apply as necessary according to label instructions (CDC, 2007f, 2006e).

Vaccines

No human vaccine against WNV is currently available. Clinical trials continue and promising results have been obtained in Phase II studies conducted by the biotechnology company Acambis on its ChimeriVax-West Nile vaccine; however, at this time no human vaccine is available. The best defense continues to reside in personal protective measures, public health measures, and surveillance and awareness.

SURVEILLANCE AND CONTROL

Surveillance is the organized monitoring of levels of virus activity, vector populations, infections in vertebrate hosts, human cases, weather, and other factors to detect or predict changes in the transmission dynamics of arboviruses. Optimal environmental conditions allow rapid increase of vectors and virus amplification in vertebrate hosts. It is urgent, therefore, that a well-organized surveillance program be in place well in advance of the virus transmission season (Moore et al, 1993).

Surveillance is a high priority for states that are affected or that are at higher risk for being affected by WNV because of bird migration patterns and virus spread. Depending on the geographic location of the state, active surveillance should be implemented in the spring and continued until the late fall (for states where mosquito activity will cease because of cold weather) or through the winter months (for southern states where mosquito activity may be continuous throughout the year).

In all states that face potential WNV activity, the following surveillance activities should be emphasized (CDC, 2003a):

  • Active bird surveillance: Arbovirus activity should be monitored in wild birds, sentinel birds, or both.
  • Active mosquito surveillance: Surveillance of mosquito populations should be initiated to detect WNV and other arbovirus activity, to help identify potential mosquito vectors in a particular area, and to monitor population densities of those vectors.
  • Enhanced passive veterinary surveillance: To detect the presence of WNV, passive surveillance, enhanced by general alerts to veterinarians for neurologic disease in horses and other animals, should be implemented.
  • Enhanced passive human surveillance: To detect the presence of WNV activity, passive surveillance, enhanced by general alerts to healthcare providers for human cases of viral encephalitis and, if resources permit, aseptic meningitis, should be implemented. (CDC, 2003a)

Appropriate and timely response to surveillance data is the key to preventing human and animal disease associated with WNV and other arboviruses. If increasing levels of virus activity are detected in the birds or mosquitoes, the response must be effective mosquito control without delay. (For more information see Guidelines for Arbovirus Surveillance in the United States, available at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/arbor/arboguid.htm.)

CONCLUSION

Individuals and healthcare workers need to remain vigilant about WNV, to protect themselves and to counter potential public health threats. West Nile cases have been identified in all 48 contiguous states, with most states presenting both avian/animal and human cases.

Most people do not develop any symptoms after exposure to WNV but a small group will develop WNV fever and an even smaller group will develop more severe illness. Medical practitioners should remain vigilant about WNV, especially if they are in mosquito areas, and they should be prepared to follow their applicable state reporting requirements.

 

Posted July 1, 2008

Expires July 1, 2010

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REFERENCES

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