labor lawAdivision of labor law center

With flooding and unseasonably wet weather throughout parts of the southwest, it’s important for employers and employees to be aware of the risk of West Nile Virus.

West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans by mosquito bites. Anyone who works outside in warm weather is at risk for this potentially fatal disease. Moist, swampy or wet conditions are ideal for breeding mosquitoes, which increases the risk. Farm workers, loggers, landscapers, construction workers, groundskeepers, painters, summer camp workers, road workers, pavers and other outdoor workers have the highest risk of contracting the disease at work.

West Nile Virus is caused by a pathogen that has only recently made its way to the U.S. In the past, the disease was primarily associated with Africa, the Middle East and West Asia. In those regions, the virus infects birds as well as humans. Cases of West Nile Virus in North America have been documented since 1999.

So far this year, there have been cases of the West Nile Virus identified in humans in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wyoming. The largest per-capita instance of West Nile Virus is in South Dakota.

The initial symptoms of West Nile Virus are often mild and flu-like, giving rise to the name “West Nile Fever” for the disease’s initial stage. Some people may even show no symptoms. These mild cases normally last only a few days and have no long-term effects.

Normally symptoms of West Nile Fever appear 3 to 14 days after the worker is bitten by an infected mosquito. The initial symptoms can include headache, fever, and body aches. Some people will have swollen lymph nodes or a skin rash on the body.

According to the Center for Disease Control or CDC, severe cases result in “West Nile Encephalitis,” an inflammation of the brain. “West Nile Meningoenephalitis” an inflammation of the brain and the surrounding membrane, can also occur. Both of these conditions are serious and may last for several weeks. Even worse, they may have permanent neurological effects.

Symptoms of these more serious conditions include headache, a high fever and stiffness of the neck. Patients often show disorientation and in severe cases, may go into a coma. They may also experience tremors and convulsions. Some show signs or muscular weakness and, in severe cases, paralysis.

The best defense against West Nile Virus is a good offense. The disearse can be prevented by reducing the chances of mosquito bites. An important tactic is to reduce or eliminate mosquito population by getting rid of stagnant or standing water every 4 days. This prevents mosquito eggs from hatching.

Outdoor workers should wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants with socks and shoes, leaving as little bare skin as possible. It’s imperative that anyone working outside use an insect repellant with DEET. According to the Center for Disease Control, DEET is by far the most effective ingredient in insect repellants. Workers should be careful to follow the directions on the package, because insect repellants containing DEET  can irritate skin. This is especially true if the repellant is applied to irritated skin, or to cuts and lacerations.

Employees should be especially careful at dawn and dusk, the two times when mosquitos are most active. Take cover indoors during theses periods if possible. If you must be outdoors, apply fresh insect repellant.

Birds can also carry West Nile Virus, so it’s important that workers report dead birds to the CDC and avoid handling them.

Training is an important part of preventing exposure to West Nile Virus. Employees should be reminded to wear light-colored, loose clothing and to use insect repellant. Many employers provide insect repellant for workers to use.

Last 10 posts by Amelia

• COBRA Subsidy Extended Again - March 5th, 2010
• New York Uniform, Meals and Lodging Rules - February 10th, 2010
• New York Non-Exempt Employee Rules - February 3rd, 2010
• New York Tipped Minimum Wage is $4.75 - January 27th, 2010
• Oklahoma Direct Deposit - January 20th, 2010
• 2010 Minimum Wage Recap - January 1st, 2010
• Vermont Minimum Wage 2010 is $8.06 - December 30th, 2009
• New GINA Regulations - December 23rd, 2009
• Kansas 2010 Minimum Wage Increases to $7.25 - December 9th, 2009
• 2010 Washington Minimum Wage is $8.55 - December 2nd, 2009

1. Posted by: Federal $3 Million Grant for Minnesota Workers - Labor Law Center Blog

   [...] A $3 million grant will aid Minnesota workers affected by floods in the area. The U.S. Department of Labor announced the initial release of $1 million to create some 300 temporary jobs to aid in cleanup and recovery efforts following the summer’s flash floods. [...]