West Nile Virus
Statement Regarding West Nile Virus
Statistically,
a person's risk of contracting West Nile Virus while attending the National
Western Stock Show is extremely low due in large part to the seasonal
absence of mosquitoes.
In most areas
where the virus is established, only 1 percent of the area's mosquitoes
carry the virus. Less than 1 percent of people bitten by these infected
mosquitoes develop serious complications from the virus; the remainder
exhibit flu-like symptoms, or no symptoms at all. Those at highest risk
are the elderly and people with weakened immune systems; it is important,
however, for all people to protect themselves from mosquito bites to minimize
the risk of infection.
The principle
route of human infection with West Nile virus is through the bite of an
infected mosquito. Additional routes of infection have become apparent
during the 2002 West Nile epidemic. It is important to note that these
other methods of transmission represent a very small proportion of cases.
Other methods of transmission include blood transfusion, organ transplantation,
mother-to-child (ingestion of breast milk and transplacental) and occupational.
For more
information on West Nile Virus, visit the Center for Disease Control website
at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/