St. Louis Encephalitis Virus: Case Reported In Tulare County
Nikki Attkisson | Last Updated : August 4, 2022A human case of St. Louis encephalitis, also known as SLEV, has been confirmed in a resident of Tulare County by the Tulare County Public Health Department.
SLEV And West Nile Virus!
It is possible that the infection is either SLEV or West Nile Virus, which is being investigated in connection with an additional five cases at this time. Because mosquito samples positive for West Nile Virus have been found in various areas within the county, public health officials warn residents to take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes. West Nile Virus has been found in mosquitoes from multiple locations.
Additionally, this instance provides evidence that the St. Louis Encephalitis Virus (SLEV) is active in the area, which places the general public in danger. Both viruses are spread by the same species of mosquitoes, which further demonstrates their similarity.
Health officer statement
According to the Tulare County Public Health Officer, Dr. Karen Haught, “Due to this increased activity and these reported cases, we strongly encourage or uplift residents to use safeguards to reduce their risk of contracting both West Nile Virus and SLEV through mosquito bites.” [Cases of West Nile Virus and SLEV have been reported.]
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the West Nile Virus cannot be treated with a vaccine or medication, and the virus can only be spread from human to human (via) the bite of an infected mosquito. The majority of persons who have West Nile virus infection will not exhibit any symptoms.
However, between 2 and 14 days after being infected, approximately one out of every five people will get a fever along with other symptoms. Meningitis and/or encephalitis can be the end consequence of a severe case of West Nile Virus infection, which can also lead to death or long-term impairment. West Nile Virus can impact the central nervous system.
The West Nile Virus and the St. Louis Encephalitis Virus are both members of the same family of viruses. Both viruses can be passed from an infected mosquito to a human host by the bite of the mosquito.Most patients with SLEV infection will have very little or no symptoms at all. From five to fifteen days after being infected, the majority of people experience flu-like symptoms that are very moderate, including fever and headache. A severe case of SLEV, much like a severe case of West Nile Virus, can affect the central nervous system, which can result in meningitis and/or encephalitis, which in turn can end in death or long-term impairment.
Residents are strongly encouraged to heighten their awareness of possible breeding grounds in the areas surrounding their homes.
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Preventive measures
Be on the lookout for empty homes because it’s possible that they have breeding grounds for mosquitoes like swimming pools or backyard ponds. Keep an eye out for these places. It is suggested that residents adopt the following preventative measures to lower their risk of exposure to West Nile Virus and SLEV and to reduce the likelihood that they will be bitten by mosquitoes:
Use an insect repellent that is certified by the EPA, such as DEET. Always make sure to carefully follow the instructions on the label; wear long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk, as well as in other times and places where mosquitoes are active; Drain any stagnant water that could potentially breed mosquitoes, and screen for doors and windows that are torn or have holes should be repaired or replaced.
Those who come across areas of standing water that could serve as mosquito breeding grounds are encouraged to get in touch with the mosquito control district in their region.
However, there is a vaccine available for horses that can prevent these diseases, and horse owners must have their horses vaccinated every year and keep vaccinations up to date as a preventative measure. Horses are also among the most susceptible animals to becoming infected with the West Nile Virus.
References:
National Library of Medicine(n.d)St. Louis Encephalitis (Available online): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470426/
Virginia Department Of Health(n.d)ST. LOUIS ENCEPHALITIS(Available online): https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/epidemiology-fact-sheets/st-louis-encephalitis/
With over 15 years as a practicing journalist, Nikki Attkisson found herself at Powdersville Post now after working at several other publications. She is an award-winning journalist with an entrepreneurial spirit and worked as a journalist covering technology, innovation, environmental issues, politics, health etc. Nikki Attkisson has also worked on product development, content strategy, and editorial management for numerous media companies. She began her career at local news stations and worked as a reporter in national newspapers.