West Nile believed to be cause of Adams County woman’s death
By Argus Observer Staff
Saturday, October 4, 2008 11:21 PM PDT
Caldwell — An elderly Adams County woman has died, leaving Southwest District Health officials believing the West Nile virus may have been a factor.
SWDH Public Information Officer Laurie Boston said the woman died in the middle of September.
“We just got confirmation that it was related to West Nile,” she said.
Symptoms of West Nile infection include fever, headaches, body aches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash. More severe infections are marked by a rapid onset of a high fever, including headache, body aches, disorientation, tremors and, in the most extreme cases, paralysis or death, according to a Southwest District Health press release.
“We know that West Nile may have serious health consequences, but it is particularly sad when it results in death,” Bruce Krosch, district director for Southwest District Health, said.
“Although mosquito activity has slowed because of the cooler nights, people still need to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes — especially those people over the age of 50 or with underlying medical conditions,” he said.
Boston also said she believes residents should take precautions.
“As long as you stay away from an infected mosquito,” she said. “You lessen your chances (of contracting the disease).”
