News Releases for August 2002
August 12, 2002
For further information, please Contact the Governor's Office
North Dakota Announces Additional West Nile Virus Response Efforts
West Nile virus General Facts 
(140kb pdf)
West Nile virus Internet Links (85kb pdf)
West Nile virus Personal Precautions (124kb pdf)
BISMARCK, N.D. - Governor John Hoeven today announced additional steps to help combat West Nile virus in North Dakota.
“The state began working on its West Nile virus response when the disease first was discovered in New York three years ago,” Hoeven said. “Now that the virus has been detected in birds and horses in North Dakota, we are enhancing our focus on detecting and preventing the spread of the disease.”
To date, the state has mounted the following response to West Nile virus:
- In 1999, the state began trapping mosquitoes and testing for mosquito-related diseases.
- In 2000, the state acquired a $61,000 grant for surveillance, including trapping and testing mosquitoes and notification and education of physicians throughout North Dakota. Funding is ongoing.
- In 2001, the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) expanded the program to test for the disease in humans and horses, and initiated a program to test and collect dead birds.
- In May 2002, the NDDoH coordinated detection and response efforts with several local, state, federal and private agencies and organizations, including the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA Wildlife Services, the North Dakota State University Extension Service, veterinarians from across the state and local public health units.
- In July 2002, when the first case of West Nile virus was detected in a horse in Grand Forks, the state dispatched additional resources and personnel to assist, including Department of Health personnel and the state veterinarian. The NDDoH expanded trapping and testing of mosquitoes to aid in detection of the disease.
Speaking at a news conference in Bismarck, Hoeven and other state officials announced two new initiatives: the formation of a statewide workgroup to address control of mosquitoes and other disease-carrying insects and animals and the availability of additional funding to support the state’s response efforts.
“West Nile virus is a new health concern in North Dakota,” Hoeven said.” It is necessary that we further coordinate local and state resources in an effort to respond to the spread of the disease.”
The state’s additional efforts include:
- Formation of a statewide workgroup comprised of local public health vector-control professionals and North Dakota Department of Health personnel to focus on control of mosquitoes. The workgroup will hold its first meeting Wednesday, Aug. 14.
- Securing of additional funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The federal funding is targeted for increased West Nile virus detection at the state and local levels, as well as enhancement of the state’s public health laboratory to allow for increased testing for the disease.
As of Monday, Aug. 12, 2002, a total of 10 birds and 54 horses in the state have tested positive for the disease. No human cases have been detected in North Dakota. West Nile virus is transmitted through the bites of mosquitoes carrying the virus.
“The cases thus far have been limited to horses and birds,” said Dr. Craig Lambrecht, chief state medical officer for the North Dakota Department of Health. “Although the risk to humans remains low, North Dakotans should take reasonable precautions to avoid mosquito bites [that can cause West Nile virus and other diseases].”
According to Lambrecht, recommended precautions include:
- Limiting outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most likely to bite.
- Wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outside.
- Using insect repellent that contains DEET and is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency.
- Eliminating stagnant water in containers around homes where mosquitoes can lay their eggs (e.g., buckets, flowerpots, old tires, wading pools and birdbaths).
- Repairing screens in windows and doors.
- Keeping the grass around your home trimmed.
The first case of West Nile virus in North Dakota was detected in a horse in early July. Dr. Larry Schuler, state veterinarian with the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, urges horse owners to vaccinate their horses.
“The available vaccine for horses requires two doses, three to six weeks apart, with an annual booster,” Schuler said. “Although it is late in the mosquito season, vaccination is still advisable to ensure that your animals’ immunity to the virus is established for next year.”
West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne infection that can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain or the spinal cord). Most people infected with diseases transmitted by mosquitoes - including West Nile virus - experience no symptoms or have only mild symptoms such as fever and headaches. More severe infection can include high fever, sever headache, stiff neck, altered mental state and death. Although the very young and the elderly are more likely to have severe infections, anyone who develops moderate or severe symptoms should consult a physician.
“North Dakota’s surveillance system detected the disease early, allowing officials time to educate the public about how to protect themselves and their horses,” Hoeven said. “A concerted effort continues to be essential to addressing West Nile virus. Monitoring for the illness, eliminating carriers, and providing assistance to local communities where necessary - all are part of our statewide strategy to deal with this new health concern.”
Please note: Fact sheets about West Nile virus can be accessed at the following websites:
- North Dakota Department of Health - www.health.state.nd.us/disease/arbovirus/wnv/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - www.cdc.gov
- North Dakota Department of Agriculture - www.agdepartment.com
For answers to questions about West Nile virus and other health concerns, the public can call the CDC hotline at:
- 1.888.246.2675 (English)
- 1.888.246.2857 (Spanish)
- 1.866.874.2646 (Hearing impaired)
E-mail comments to the Governor
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