Churchill County man second case of West Nile

The second case of West Nile Virus confirmed by the Nevada State Health Division affected a Churchill County resident.

Like the Washoe County resident before him, the victim was affected by the less severe form of the disease, state health officials confirmed on Monday.

"This is the second reported human case of West Nile Virus in a Nevada resident," said Dr. Tracey D. Green, State Health Officer. "While temperatures are beginning to decrease, mosquitoes are still in our environment. I cannot stress enough the importance of practicing the preventive measures to reduce the chance of being bitten by mosquitoes. Remember to use mosquito repellent containing either DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, preferably in that order, wear long sleeve shirts, pants and socks, be aware that mosquitoes are most active during dusk and dawn, remove standing water from around your house and check to make sure the screens on your windows and doors fit properly."

West Nile Virus most often is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes are carriers that become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to humans and other animals when they bite. West Nile virus is not spread through casual contact such as touching or kissing a person infected with the virus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most people infected with the virus will not have any type of illness or symptoms. It is estimated that 20 percent of the people who become infected will develop West Nile fever. Symptoms include fever, headache, tiredness and body aches.

Approximately one in 150 persons (less than one percent) infected with WNV will develop a more severe form of the disease, West Nile encephalitis or meningitis. Symptoms of the more severe disease include severe headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis.

For more information about West Nile Virus, visit

http://health.nv.gov and click on the West Nile Virus box.