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Unedited transcript of West Nile virus chat with State Epidemiologist Kristy Bradley, August, 15, 2012

State Epidemiologist Kristy Bradley chatted with readers and answered questions about West Nile virus Wednesday on NewsOK.

By Jaclyn Cosgrove | Published: August 15, 2012 Comment on this article

Below is an unedited transcript of a chat with State Epidemiologist Kristy Bradley about West Nile virus.

State Epidemiologist Kristy Bradley will be signing in at 11 a.m. to talk about West Nile virus. Submit your questions now.
- NewsOK at 10:27

We will start the chat in just a moment. Thanks everyone for asking questions and attending.
- Jaclyn Cosgrove, NewsOK at 10:59

Let's go ahead and start the chat. I would like to thank Kristy Bradley, the state epidemiologist with the state Health Department, for joining us.
- Jaclyn Cosgrove, NewsOK at 11:01

How can we protect infants from getting biten by mosquitoes and possibly becoming infected?
- Tim at 11:02

Thanks, Jaclyn. I'm happy to be here and to answer any questions people may have about West Nile virus.
- Dr. Kristy Bradley at 11:03

There are mosquito repellent products that are labeled for use in small children. These are usually have very low concentrations of DEET in them. During stroller time, you may want to consider placing a mosquito net to shield your baby.
- Dr. Kristy Bradley at 11:05

Thanks for having this. I'm a farmer,outside most of the day. What are some of the symptoms that would indicate possible West Nile Virus exposure?
- Travis at 11:05

As a follow up to the question about protecting infants from mosquito bites, I want to add that although that is important, most children seem to have very mild illness associated with West Nile virus infection. Adults, especially those over 40-50 years of age are at greatest risk of developing the severe neurologic illness associated with West Nile virus infection.
- Dr. Kristy Bradley at 11:07

As a resource, here's the Oklahoma State Department of Health's page about West Nile virus. It has some helpful info: http://www.ok.gov/health/Disease,_Prevention,_Preparedness/Acute_Disease_Service/Disease_Information/Tickborne_and_Mosquitoborne_Diseases/West_Nile_Virus/
- Jaclyn Cosgrove, NewsOK at 11:08

Hi Travis -- Persons that work outdoors where mosquitoes may be lurking may have more frequent exposure -- especially if you work near dense vegetation or ponds. The first symptoms of WNV infection are usually fever, headache, extreme tiredness, nausea, and dizziness or muscle tremors. Some people also develop a skin rash.
- Dr. Kristy Bradley at 11:09

Thanks for all of your great questions. Keep them coming!
- Jaclyn Cosgrove, NewsOK at 11:09

I have seen the bracelets with citronella for children. Are these effective enough to protect them?
- Tricia at 11:09

If you're interested in what areas in the U.S. are being most affected right now by West Nile, you can visit the CDC's page with a map of reported cases: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/USGS_frame.html
- Jaclyn Cosgrove, NewsOK at 11:11

No, probably not. The active ingredients in insect repellents that are scientifically proven to repel mosquitoes are DEET, picaridin (KBR 3020) and oil of eucalyptus. There is a Skin-So-Soft product containing IR3535 that also works well.
- Dr. Kristy Bradley at 11:12

Dr. Bradley, there have been several media reports about West Nile cases and deaths related to West Nile. I was curious -- How many cases of West Nile have been reported so far this year? How does that compare to other years?
- Jaclyn Cosgrove, NewsOK at 11:13

Thanks for that question, Jaclyn. Yesterday the State Health Department reported a total of 55 cases of West Nile disease confirmed so far this year and one related death. This is a much higher number than we've seen in previous years -- during 2008-11 combined, Oklahoma only had a total of 21 cases. We are on track for 2012 to be the most severe WNV season of record.
- Dr. Kristy Bradley at 11:15

Because of the relatively high numbers of WNV cases that are being reported by hospitals, doctors and laboratories, we also have a number of case reports under investigation. The State Health Department will be updating our case statistics every Tuesday and Thursday on our website.
- Dr. Kristy Bradley at 11:17

And just by process of elimination, I've counted up, via various media reports, that there were three deaths (allegedly) "related to West Nile." I hoped you could clear up any confusion about how the state Health Department confirms that someone died from West Nile virus and also how many people in Oklahoma have died this year.
- Jaclyn Cosgrove, NewsOK at 11:17

Whoops. Looks like we're on the same wavelength.
- Jaclyn Cosgrove, NewsOK at 11:18

Should we be concerned after a child has only one mosqueto bite?
- Tiffany at 11:21

Yes we are! During a disease outbreak, it is fairly common for media outlets to receive direct reports of illness or deaths from the general public. The State Health Department needs to follow a more rigorous process of reviewing reports of illness received from doctors, hospitals and laboratories. We then must ensure they meet our surveillance case criteria before they are reported. This ensures consistency and accuracy.
- Dr. Kristy Bradley at 11:22

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