SARA ROSNER
Staff Writer
While most people view mosquitoes as a mild irritation, these insects may now be transmitting something more dangerous than an itchy sting.
Evidence of the West Nile virus, which can be conveyed to humans through mosquito bites, was recently discovered in Malibu.
According to city Mayor Andy Stern, a dead bird infected with the virus was found on Zuma Beach at the end of August. Birds, especially crows, and horses are highly susceptible to the disease.
“People should be concerned,” the mayor said. “They can get very sick, and they should take precautions.”
The Los Angeles West Vector and Vector-Borne Disease Control District, an organization that monitors and controls organisms that may carry infectious diseases, alerted Stern about the bird when it tested positive for the virus.
According to the Los Angeles West Vector District Web site, the virus has moved steadily westward across the country since 1999, affecting 46 states.
There have been 830 cases of the virus in California since it was first detected in the state in 2003, and it has claimed the lives of 28 people.
Not all people become ill from the virus, however. In a speech to the Malibu City Council last week, Vector District Director Rob Saviskas said that only 20 percent of the human population will show symptoms of the virus if infected and less than one percent will become severely ill.
“Eighty percent of people who contract will show no symptoms,” Saviskas said. “Almost like an immunity shot.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site, people may become ill three to 14 days after they are bitten.
Mild symptoms may include fever, headaches, vomiting and a rash on the chest, stomach or back.
Severe symptoms may last for several weeks and include severe muscle aches, comas, convulsions, blindness and paralysis. Acute cases may result in permanent neurological damage or death.
While there is no human vaccine for the virus, there are several ways to protect against contracting it. According to Saviskas, people should avoid being outdoors during the dawn and dusk hours from April through September.
If they are outside at this time, however, Saviskas recommends wearing long-sleeve shirts and pants and using insect repellant.
In addition, the Los Angeles West Vector Web site also advises people to check around their homes for any sources of standing water. Areas such as plant saucers are ideal places for mosquitoes to lay and hatch eggs and should be eliminated.
Pepperdine officials have also taken precautions against the virus. According to Pepperdine Health Center nurse Barbara Stern, an official from the CDC came to campus last winter to train the staff on how to care for and diagnose patients suffering from the virus.
Although no cases of the virus have been reported to the Health Center, Barbara said she believes that students should remain cautious.
“I think students should be aware that this is out there in the community and to protect themselves against it,” Barbara said.
She also mentioned that students may call the Health Center if they wish to view an informative video about the virus from the CDC.
Facilities Management and Planning staff, who are responsible for landscaping and irrigation on campus, have also received training on how to protect the campus against the virus.
While there is only a slight chance of becoming severely ill from the virus, many officials have decided to err on the side of caution.
Mayor Stern, who has given up on going outside for sunsets said, “It’s so slim that you’re not going to stay indoors, but I’m taking some precautions.”
09-22-2005