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West Nile virus reported in Arapahoe County woman

By Bill Scanlon, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published August 20, 2008 at 5:54 p.m.
Updated August 20, 2008 at 11:54 p.m.

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Arapahoe County has reported its first confirmed West Nile case for 2008.

A 40-year-old woman was diagnosed with viral meningitis, with swelling in the lining of the brain or spinal cord.

A mosquito likely bit her at home and she is now hospitalized, Gary Sky, spokesman for the Tri-County Health Department, said Wednesday.

"The vast majority of people who get West Nile virus are bitten by infected mosquitoes around their own home, not while on an outdoor adventure," said Dr. Richard L. Vogt, executive director of Tri-County Health.

The case is a reminder for everyone to avoid mosquito bites as much as possible, he said, urging people to empty water containers or anything else that could be a breeding ground.

Colorado has reported 22 cases of West Nile virus in humans this year. There have been no deaths.

The Arapahoe County woman would mark the third case of meningitis. The others contracted the milder, but still miserable, West Nile fever.

scanlon@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-2897

Comments

  • August 23, 2008

    5:08 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    MUSAorg writes:

    The Meningitis Foundation of America (MFA), a national organization, would like the public and media to know that information is available regarding the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of meningitis. MFA was founded by parents whose children were affected by meningitis. In addition to supporting vaccines and other means of preventing meningitis, the MFA provides information to educate the public and medical professionals so that the early diagnosis, treatment and, most important, prevention of meningitis, will save lives. Meningitis is a dangerous and sometimes fatal inflammation of the brain and/or spinal cord that can leave survivors with serious life-long physical problems such as deafness, brain damage and other disabilities, meningitis can sometimes result in loss of limbs. MFA would like to be considered as a news resource for the disease. For further information, visit the MFA website at www.musa.org.

    MFA is proud to announce the new C.I.S.S. Container Identification Scratch System
    When we participate in sporting events or mingle at social gatherings it is possible to lose track of our water bottles and/or beverage cans, especially those served in containers that are very similar or identical to a container from which you are drinking. This carries the risk of transmitting an illness, such as meningitis or the common cold or flu. The Container Identification Scratch System, or C.I.S.S., is a fun way to make sure you always know your drink from others. Use it at sporting events or at a family gatherings and reduce the waste from forgotten drinks. Simply scratch your number from the C.I.S.S. label and identify your drink. For more information please contact Bob Gold at Ciss.bob@gmail.com and www.musa.org

    Thank you,

    Ms. Jamie Callahan, General Manager
    Meningitis Foundation of America
    212 W 10th Street, Suite B-330
    Indianapolis, IN 46202
    (800) 668-1129
    www.musa.org