Week in Review

State Capitol Week in Review

LITTLE ROCK – The state Health Department has confirmed the first case of West Nile virus in Arkansas this year.

Last year there were nine confirmed cases in Arkansas. The virus is spread by mosquitoes to humans, horses and other animals. The mosquitoes transmit it from birds, which are the host animals.

Most people who get West Nile virus experience mild flu-like symptoms for a couple of days. Less than 1 percent have more severe symptoms and they are usually people with compromised immune systems or the elderly.

Last year there were 1,356 confirmed cases of West Nile virus in the United States and 44 of those people died. Of the nine cases in Arkansas, none were fatal. The Health Department has been monitoring West Nile virus since the first case was reported in the state in 2002.

Symptoms appear within 14 days of being bitten. Usually they consist of fever, aching in the joints and muscles and listlessness. More serious symptoms include headaches. There is no specific treatment, according to the Health Department's infectious disease office. Prevention is the most effective way to protect yourself from West Nile virus.

Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and at dawn. They breed in standing water that accumulates in even small containers, like discarded tin cans or plastic lids. If you have gutters make sure they drain well because a clogged downspout creates excellent breeding conditions for mosquitoes. Kiddy pools, overturned lawn toys and garden tools like wheelbarrows can hold water long enough for mosquitoes to breed.

Crows, blue jays, robins, hawks and owls are vulnerable to the virus. The Health Department tests dead birds to track the spread of the disease.

Trauma Center Progress

The Health Department will play a key role in setting up and operating the new statewide trauma system, which the legislature created during the 2009 regular session. July 1 was the initial deadline for Arkansas hospitals to apply for grants from the department to help pay for improvements and equipment they'll need.

So far, 63 hospitals have applied for grants. The grants should be distributed in September and October. Hospitals will be in one of four categories, depending on the level of emergency treatment they can provide victims of accidents who have burns and traumatic injuries.

Northwest Arkansas Medical Campus

Last week marked the arrival of six third-year medical students at the new Fayetteville campus of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and the event created a splash of publicity. Until now, the state's only medical school has been the UAMS campus in Little Rock.

Not as much attention has been given to the 17 pharmacy students who in the past year completed their clinical rotations at pharmacies in northwest Arkansas. Eventually the northwest Arkansas campus will have 250 to 300 students in medicine, nursing, pharmacy and allied medical professions.