One of the latest public health concerns to hit Michigan is the threat of the West Nile Virus. As construction professionals with extended exposure to the outdoors, you should be particularly aware of the precautions that should be taken and signs to watch out for.

On Aug. 16, 2002, the Lansing State Journal reported that state health officials confirmed the presence of West Nile virus in bird carcasses in 32 Michigan counties. The disease has sickened at least 145 people in six states and killed nine people in two southern states. In its Aug. 17, 2002 edition, the Detroit News reported about two cases of suspected West Nile virus in Oakland County. Significantly, one was an unidentified, 63-year old construction worker who was listed in fair condition. The other was an 82-year-old retired man who is an avid golfer. He was treated for 10 days and released.

Experts say the risk to people in Michigan still is low, partly because dry weather has stunted the summer's mosquito population. Michigan Department of Community Health Director James K. Haveman, Jr. reports that the risk of West Nile encephalitis is higher in persons 50 years of age and older

West Nile is named for the Ugandan region where it first appeared in 1937. The West Nile Virus is primarily a disease of birds. It is commonly found in Africa, West Asia, and the Middle East, but has also caused outbreaks in Europe. West Nile had not been found in the United States before the late summer of 1999.

Fewer than one percent of people who are bitten and become infected will become severely ill with flu-like symptoms or encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain. Most people infected by the West Nile Virus have no symptoms at all, or experience something that feels like flu.

Symptoms of "West Nile fever" may include fever, headache, achy muscles, and extreme tiredness, perhaps with skin rash and swollen lymph glands. In a fraction of cases, the fever leads to encephalitis, which is fatal in some cases or may cause neurological after-effects.

There is no vaccine against West Nile, and no known "cure." As with other viral diseases, treatment consists of support until it has run its course. The incubation period - the time between an infectious bite and the onset of symptoms - is usually 5-15 days.

The virus can infect many different species of birds and other animals, but crows seem particularly vulnerable, and monitoring programs focus on them.

What you can do to help fight mosquitoes? Construction sites - especially those where good "housekeeping" standards are not being maintained - can often provide many opportunities for their breeding. And hard-working skilled craft workers usually offer plenty of exposed skin. Hungry female mosquitoes just love poking them for a quick and tasty blood meal.

Here's some advice:

• Reduce the population. Empty standing water in wheelbarrows, buckets, plastic covers, or any other container where "wrigglers" and "tumblers" live. Overturn all containers where rain water can collect.
• Keep them off. Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin. An effective repellent for adults will contain at least 35% DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide). DEET in high concentrations (greater than 50%) provides no additional protection. Whenever you use an insecticide or insect repellent, be sure to read and follow the manufacturer's directions for use, as printed on the product.
• Dress for the occasion. Use head nets, long sleeves and long pants if you are working in areas with high mosquito populations, such as marshes.
• Take cover. If there is a mosquito-borne disease warning in effect, stay inside, especially during the evening when mosquitoes are most active. Make sure window and door screens are "bug tight."
• Squeal on 'em. If you find a dead crow, report it immediately by calling the Michigan West Nile virus hotline, (888) 668-0869, or visiting www.michigan.gov/mda. Click on the West Nile Virus quick link.
• Find out for sure. Testing is free for any Michigan residents who think they may have the symptoms of the virus. Call (517) 335-9867 for more information.

To get you and your fellow workers involved in Save-A-Life certification, have your employer or union contact the Michigan Construction Trades Safety Institute directly, to set up classes and obtain schedules. It can be reached at (800) 657-8345 or by e-mail at info@mctsi.org.