State on watch for West Nile virus signs

By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser Health Writer

The state Health Department yesterday issued an alert asking local doctors to be on the lookout for any cases of West Nile virus, after more new cases turned up in California and Las Vegas.

Health department spokeswoman Laura Lott said the increased incidence of cases is of concern because of the large number of people who travel between those locations and Hawai'i.

There have been no reported cases in Hawai'i of the disease, which is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito and can be fatal. The disease can infect people, horses, birds and some other animals but is not transmitted from person to person or from birds to people.

The virus has killed six people in California this year. West Nile has spread across most of the nation since it was detected in New York in 1999. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the virus has killed at least 20 people so far this year. California has the highest toll, followed by Louisiana, which has reported five deaths.

Dr. Linda Rosen, a deputy state health director, said increased vigilance can help prevent the disease from coming to the Islands. "It appears that the number of human West Nile cases in California is rapidly increasing, over 160 as of last week," she said.

Rosen said the public can help prevent the disease from taking hold in Hawai'i by watching for dead birds and turning them in for testing. Birds are a potential sign of presence of the disease because they are highly susceptible to the virus.

She said residents can call 211 for details on how to collect dead birds safely and where to take their remains. Officials also suggest eliminating standing water, in which mosquitoes can breed.

Reach Robbie Dingeman at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2429.