DOVER — A 69-year-old Kent County man is infected with West Nile virus — the state’s first case of the illness in a human since 2018, according to the Delaware Division of Public Health.
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By Tim MastroDOVER — A 69-year-old Kent County man is infected with West Nile virus — the state’s first case of the illness in a human since 2018, according to the Delaware Division of Public Health.
DPH said Friday an epidemiological investigation is ongoing to confirm any travel history or sources that could have led to the transmission of the mosquito-borne disease. To protect patient privacy, the division said no more information will be provided on the individual at this time.
“We’re sad to learn that a case of West Nile virus has been reported in Delaware,” DPH director Dr. Karyl Rattay said in a statement. “West Nile virus can be very serious and even deadly, particularly in vulnerable populations. Please take all proper precautions when going outdoors and there is a possibility of being bitten by mosquitoes, like wearing insect repellent, especially if you are among a vulnerable population.”
Back in 2018, 10 human West Nile cases were reported to DPH. Two of them resulted in death.
West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, generally in summer and fall, with a peak period for disease transmission from mid-August to mid-October, according to DPH.
The division added that nearly 80% of people infected with West Nile virus will not become ill. Only a little less than 20% of those infected will develop mild symptoms, such as fever, headache, body aches, a skin rash on the chest or back and swollen lymph glands. One in 150 people infected will develop severe infection — West Nile encephalitis or meningitis.
The elderly and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk, according to DPH. Symptoms of severe West Nile virus infection include headache, high fever, stiff neck and/or tremors and muscle weakness. Health officials said anyone who experiences any of these severe symptoms should seek medical help immediately, as they could progress to stupor, disorientation, coma, convulsions, paralysis and possibly death.
The mosquitoes that cause West Nile bite primarily from dusk to dawn. DPH said it is important to protect oneself outdoors by wearing insect repellent because mosquitoes can carry other diseases, as well, such as chikungunya, dengue fever and Zika. These bites can occur during the day.
Suspected cases of human West Nile virus can be reported by calling DPH’s Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at 888-295-5156.
