West Nile Virus remains a threat in the U.S.

By Tech. Sgt. Kevin M. Williams
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Most people remember Sept. 11, 2001, as the day terrorists attacked America. But for one family here, it marks the day their 2-year-old son died from West Nile Virus.

Summer is here in full force, and people are thinking about the 101 Critical Days of Summer -- vehicle accidents, sports injuries, recreational risks and alcohol-related incidents. But there is another silent killer people should know about, officials said.

"(My son) came home early that September with mosquito bites,” said Lee Ann Rickman. “I gave him some (medicine) and thought everything would be fine. He woke up Thursday morning with a fever, and we were able to bring his temperature down. Friday morning, his temperature was 106 degrees. We took him to the hospital right away."

Rickman said the hospital sent her son, Nathan Dial, in an ambulance to another medical facility that would be able to provide better care for him. But the situation did not improve. A test for spinal meningitis was performed. Nathan's heart rate was very fast. Doctors put him into a drug-induced coma, and he was flown to another hospital.

"The doctor hooked him up to a ventilator," Rickman said. "I told him I loved him. He said, 'I love you too, mommy.' That was the last thing he said.

"When we arrived at (the hospital) to see him, he was very swollen,” she said. “On Sept. 10, the doctor told me he probably wouldn't make it. The next day, he was brain dead.”

After consulting with the doctors, the decision to remove Nathan from life support was made.

"They put him in my arms and unplugged everything," Rickman said. "We all said goodbye … he died in my arms."

Nathan died from West Nile Meningitis, a form of West Nile Virus. It is transmitted by mosquitoes that feed primarily on infected birds. Although West Nile Virus may not receive as much news exposure as it used to, it is still a big threat in the United States.

"West Nile Virus is still (alive)," said Capt. Cynthia Daniels, 20th Aeromedical-Dental Squadron’s public health flight chief. "The elderly, very young and those with compromised immune systems should be more careful during the summer months. Since I've been (here), at least one person has died per year due to West Nile Virus.”

West Nile Virus is an arthropod-borne virus -- a virus that is spread by insects of the arthropoda phylum, Daniels said.

There are different strains of West Nile Virus. The majority of research focuses on different viruses such as Eastern Equine Encephalitis, St. Louis Encephalitis and Western Equine Encephalitis. A common feature of these diseases is encephalitis, which causes inflammation of the brain.

Daniels said the summer is the most active time of year for West Nile Virus, and certain mosquitoes are more active in the evening. She recommends people try to stay indoors after 5 p.m.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials, there are other precautions people can take against contracting West Nile Virus. People can avoid mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks sprayed with mosquito repellent while outdoors.

They can also stay indoors at dawn and dusk, spray clothes and exposed skin with insect repellent containing DEET. Children 2 and older can use preparations containing up to 35 percent DEET. For children younger than 2, consult a doctor. Parents should not put repellent on children's hands because they may transfer it to their mouths or eyes, officials said.

It is also recommended that dead birds be left alone because they may be infected with the virus. If someone finds a dead bird, he or she should contact the local health department for proper disposal,  Daniels said.

"People can get West Nile Virus if they are bitten by an infected mosquito. You cannot get it from another person," Daniels said. "Symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, aching bones or joints, fatigue/drowsiness, lack of appetite, rash and swollen lymph nodes."

For more information about West Nile Virus is available online at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm.