West Nile a Threat for Those With Weak Immune Systems

HIV/AIDS patients, people with diabetes, those undergoing chemotherapy, and steroid users are more likely to get seriously ill or die if they become infected with the West Nile virus, say Mississippi health experts.

For these individuals, the chance of infection is no higher than for healthy persons. But if they do get the mosquito-transmitted virus, the likelihood of recovery is less for them and others with compromised immune systems, said Dr. William Causey, chief medical director of Hospice Ministries Inc. and an infectious disease specialist in Jackson, Miss.

Causey said HIV patients are the most concerned about the West Nile virus. They are vulnerable, he said, but his advice for them is the same as for everyone else: Stay indoors during peak mosquito hours, wear long sleeves and pants, and use mosquito repellent with DEET. "They just need to be more careful," Causey said.

Dr. Risa Webb, an infectious disease medical consultant for the Mississippi Department of Health, said an investigation of New York's 1999 West Nile outbreak found that eight of 59 patients were known to have compromised immune systems. The investigation did not report the causes of the weakened immune systems. "Based on what previously occurred, we would recommend that those who are immuno-compromised and the elderly should pay extra attention" in taking preventive measures, Webb said.

Webb said the Health Department is reviewing Mississippi's cases of death (3) and illness (111) from West Nile virus, but investigators do not know how many of these cases occurred in people with weakened immune systems. The Health Department has begun using a new machine that cuts the time required for West Nile virus testing in half, said Janie Wallace, immunology division director of the Mississippi Public Health Laboratory.

At Hospice Ministries' Ridgeland facility, Causey said he trained the staff on West Nile symptoms and prevention, and patients' outdoor activities are confined to the time of day when the mosquito risk is least.

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