Reports of West Nile virus have been popping up across Alabama, and Cullman County received its first confirmed case of the virus this week — though it isn’t technically a human case.
The Cullman County Extension Office is reporting one veterinarian-confirmed case of West Nile virus in the Fairview area via a sick horse. West Nile virus has already caused a handful of deaths around the country, and 13 human cases have been confirmed in Alabama.
The virus is carried by mosquitos and typically only infects birds, though it can be transmitted to humans and animals from a mosquito bite.
Donna Shanklin, with the extension office, said her team is working to keep local farmers informed about the disease. Statistics for confirmed animal infections are harder to track and less specific than human cases.
“We’re just trying to do education, and help them minimize the presence of mosquitos,” she said. “Anytime there are mosquitos, there are things you have to look out for.”
Alabama Cooperative Extension System veterinarian Soren Rodning noted that though mosquitos can pass the infection to animals and humans, it cannot be passed on from the infected person or animal by physical contact.
“Usually the horse would not be contagious to other animals or other people, so the infected animal is not going to give you the disease,” he said. “It’s really a reminder for a ll of us to protect our pets, livestock and ourselves by minimizing exposure as much as possible for ourselves and our families.”
Across Alabama, the Alabama Department of Public Heath (ADPH) is investigating 13 confirmed human cases. Six of the cases originate from Montgomery County, with four in Mobile. Baldwin, Jefferson, and Tuscaloosa Counties all have one reported case.
As of Wednesday, an ADPH representative stated there have been no confirmed cases in Cullman County.
There has been one confirmed, “West Nile related” death in Montgomery, though doctor’s say the victim also suffered from other complications.
Human symptoms of West Nile virus include fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash.
According to the ADPH, the best way to prevent West Nile is to use insect repellents when going outdoors, wearing long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk, and installing or repairing screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitos out.
* Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 220.
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