[Archived] First Confirmed Human Case of West Nile Virus in Alexandria

City Press Release


	City of Alexandria, Virginia Office of the City Manager Alexandria City Hall 301 King Street, Suite 3500 Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3211 www.alexandriava.gov Telephone: 703.838.4300 Fax : 703.838.6343

City of Alexandria Announces
First Human Case of West Nile Virus

The Alexandria Health Department announced today (Oct. 18) the discovery of the City’s first probable human case of West Nile Virus is a 51-year-old woman who lives in the City’s Del Ray neighborhood. She was not hospitalized for her illness and is back at work, although still recovering. Confirmatory laboratory results are not expected for about 10 days.

Alexandria Health Director, Charles Konigsberg, Jr., MD, MPH says this case of West Nile Virus is not surprising since the surrounding jurisdictions of Fairfax and Arlington Counties as well as others in the metropolitan DC area have had human cases this year. The Health Department will continue its program of public information, mosquito surveillance and larviciding. So far this season, all 6,500 storm drains in Alexandria hve been treated with a larvicide three times.

The West Nile Virus is transmitted by mosquitoes that have bitten infected birds, with certain crows, blue jays and raptors being the most common carriers of the virus. Most people bitten by infected mosquitoes do not become sick and most of those who do become sick show only mild symptoms. A few people do suffer serious illness, especially encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain or spinal cord). The virus is not spread from person to person or directly from birds to humans.

In order to prevent mosquitoes from breeding and further carrying the virus, the Health Department urges Alexandria residents and businesses to follow these tips, many of which focus on eliminating standing water in which mosquitoes can breed:

• Keep outdoor areas clear of cans, bottles and plastic containers. Store items to be recycled in covered trashcans or sealed bags. Keep garbage cans tightly closed.

• Turn over empty trash cans, plastic buckets, wading pools, wheelbarrows and canoes.
• Clean roof gutters and spout screens regularly. Eliminate standing water on flat roofs.
• Clean out debris in ditches to eliminate standing water in low spots.
• Remove old tires and drill drainage holes in playground tires to reduce standing water.
• Flush birdbaths and potted plant holder trays twice a week.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools. Aerate garden ponds and stock with fish.
• Store all pet food and water bowls indoors when not in use.

For more information on preventive measures, call the Alexandria Health Department, Division of Environmental Health at 703-838-4400, ext. 266 or visit