A clear increase of local transmission of the West Nile Virus (WNV) during the 2001 season supports the likelihood the West Nile Virus is established throughout the northeastern US and will be a continuing concern in future years. DHHS believes increased surveillance for severe human cases of West Nile virus is warranted due to the isolation of the virus in mosquitoes in NH.
Recommendations for Arboviral Testing and Reporting of New Cases of Encephalitis and Aseptic Meningitis as a Surveillance Tool for Human Cases of WNV Neurological Illness (3 pages) provides the current NH recommendations for reporting and laboratory testing of suspected cases of encephalitis and aseptic meningitis.
Detailed criteria for reporting new onset cases of suspected West Nile-like Virus is also provided. Diagnostic testing for West Nile virus and other Aborvirals is discussed including serum collection processes and timeframes for collection. Procedures for submission of serum for aborviral testing is provided step by step.
Clinicians are asked to distribute these recommendations to all Primary Care staff, including Adult and Pediatric, Emergency Room, Infectious Disease, Neurology, Intensive Care units, Ambulatory Care staff, Laboratory Medicine and Infection Control Practicioners. |
