By
Margot B. Schwag, VMD
** Permission =
of
author is required for use of this article.**
Dogs
and cats can become infected with the West Nile virus. As of recent, only t=
wo dogs
have been known to succumb to the disease. Animals contract the virus the s=
ame
way we do, from mosquito bites. There is no animal-to-animal or
animal-to-person spread.
Most
of this article refers to people; however, any of the info below is consist=
ent
with that of animals.
West Nile is a virus that can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain or spinal cord). The mosquito is infected by feeding from an infected bird. We contract the virus when an infected mosquito bites us. To date, th= ere is no evidence that we can contract the disease directly from birds, or person-to-person contact. The virus did not appear in North America until 1= 999 when an infected bird was imported to our shores. So far, mosquitoes are the only recognized vectors. Many mammals may be infected, however, to varying degrees. Horses seem to be very sensitive to the virus, people less so and = dogs are fairly resistant. For those that do react, signs usually develop within= 3 to 15 days of being bitten by an infected mosquito. Most at-risk are the sick = and elderly, i.e. those who are immuno-compromised.
Symptoms
of the West Nile virus (WNV) can range from nothing to flu symptoms-fever,
headache, body aches, rashes or swollen lymph nodes. At its worst, it can
infect brain tissue, causing rapid onset of a severe headache, high fever,
stiff neck, confusion, coma, or muscle weakness and possibly death.
There
is no specific treatment. Therapy is directed at supporting the affected or=
gans
i.e. hospitalization, i.v. fluids, antibiotics to protect against secondary
bacterial infection, etc.
No vaccine exists at this time but
development is underway. Prevention against contracting WNV includes: avoid
being outside dawn and dusk-peak mosquito activity, wear long sleeve shirts,
slacks, and socks, and use mosquito repellants. Products containing DEET are
best, for adults use a 33% concentration, 10% for children and dogs. To help
reduce around-the-house breeding opportunities, empty any containers with
stagnant water i.e. soda cans, plastic containers, unused tires, drain pool
covers, clean gutters and bird bath water, etc.
As of yet, do not run to the doctor every time a mos= quito bites you, only if severe flu symptoms are experienced. Crows, ravens, and = blue jays are the birds most sensitive to effects of WNV. If you find any dead birds, many townships are no longer testing for the virus since it is now prevalent in our area. Instead, dispose of it in a double-wrapped bag so ot= her mosquitoes will not feed and get infected.
For
dogs, look for signs of neck pain, fever, depression, etc. If so, call your
Veterinarian. Above all, please remember that the incidence of WNV is very =
low.
That while there is a lot of sensationalism in the press, dogs are very
resistant, and only a miniscule number of people are at risk.
© 2002 Margot B. Schwag=
, VMD.
All rights reserved. For permission to reprint contact author at Landisville
Animal Hospital, 3035 Harrisburg Pike, Landisville, PA 17538