West Nile Virus Found Near School
West Nile Virus Found Near School Save Email Print
Posted: 10:13 AM Aug 26, 2008
 Last Updated: 2:38 AM Aug 27, 2008
 Reporter: Anna Baxter
Email Address: anna.baxter@wsaz.com
8 comments
A | A | A

UPDATE @ 6pm
KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- On the first day of school Capital High School students are learning about West Nile.

The virus was found on school grounds.

Mosquitoes near the school's soccer field tested positive for West Nile.

Now the school is taking extra precautions to keep students safe. The first day of school jitters of a different kind for parents.

EPA inspectors found mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus in a swampland on Capital High School grounds.

Now the soccer field is off limits for students.

Symptoms include a severe headache, nausea, vomiting and a high fever.

People usually develop those symptoms three to 14 days after they're bitten, but the likelihood of getting sick is slim.

But school officials would rather be safe than sorry.

The area is protected swampland and can't be drained, so they’re working with the environmental protection agency to get approval to treat this swampland with a stronger insecticide.

Health officials say West Nile virus is here to stay.


ORIGINAL STORY
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- More West Nile Virus (WNV) is showing up in the Kanawha Valley and this time it's near a school.

A spokesperson with the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department says another WNV positive mosquito pool has been identified near Capital High School's soccer field.

According to a press release, "the area is protected swampland and can not be drained, however the Kanawha County Board of Education is working with the Environmental Protection Agency to use the strongest insecticide possible to effectively treat the area."

The first WNV found in 2008 in Kanawha County was identified in early June in the Big Bend Area of Tornado.

Health officials say the virus is here to stay, and won't come and go as it has in previous years.

The virus infects a variety of species from birds to humans. Mosquitoes get the virus by feeding on an infected bird and then the mosquito bites a person.

The symptoms include fever, headache, and seizures.
More Stories
UPDATE: Woman Killed in Interstate 77 Crash, Name Released

Suspect Charged in Huntington Murder

Huntington City Council Preps for Next Mayor

EPA Touts $1.9 Billion Gain for W.Va.

 Former Local Doctor, Daughter Killed in Crash

W.Va. Ethics Panel OKs Retirement Gifts, Awards

Workers Vote to Start Strike Process in Scioto County School District

Bridges Reportedly Icing Over in Kanawha, Multiple Wrecks Across County
Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
Email will not be displayed on site. For station contact purpose only.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: Shelby on Aug 31, 2008 at 01:27 PM
Forget about the kids let the mosquitos. They have feelings also. How would you like it if people came to your house and destroyed it and killed you and your family?
Posted by: HMW on Aug 28, 2008 at 10:18 AM
AS A PARENT OF A CAPITAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT, I REALLY APPRECIATED FINDING OUT ABOUT THIS PROBLEM ON THE 8/26 EDITION OF 11 P.M. NEWS. WHY WAS PARENTS NOT NOTIFIED. THERE WAS NO LETTER SENT HOME WITH STUDENTS INFORMING PARENTS OF THIS PROBLEM AND THEN TO FIND OUT ABOUT IT ON THE NEWS. NEEDLESS TO SAY I WAS FURIOUS OVER THE TOTAL LACK OF CONCERN BY THE KANAWHA COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD AND CAPITAL HIGH SCHOOL ADMIN.
Posted by: Helen on Aug 27, 2008 at 10:55 AM
How absoulutely ridiculus! Save the swamp! I recycle and try to be "earth friendly" but there needs to be some common sense used with the decisions that affect the humans that live on this planet. It seems those "in charge" dont have much sometimes! They need to do away with the swamp and build some more facilites for the kids anyway!
Posted by: Amanda on Aug 26, 2008 at 07:57 PM
Five years ago while living in Chicago I was bitten several times by a mosquito and with in a month I was hospitalized with encephalitis which is caused by west nile. My head started hurting and I got a fever. Next thing I know I am at the hospital with extreme pain and then three days later I woke up. I did not fully recover for about three weeks. Trust me no one wants this and I was lucky that I was in my twenties and did not die.
Posted by: sarah on Aug 26, 2008 at 03:26 PM
Get rid of the swamp so you know you are rid of the bugs. Those that enjoy playing and watching soccer are in jeopardy!
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 26, 2008 at 03:24 PM
i always use a downy sheet rub it on arms legs they dont come near me
Posted by: barb on Aug 26, 2008 at 01:35 PM
This is redictious saving a swamp over our children's welfare.What is this Country coming too.
Posted by: SHELLY on Aug 26, 2008 at 11:54 AM
ok, I am all about protecting the enviroment. but....i draw the line when the inviroment (swamp land) takes rank over our kids...drain the swamp...or some kid is going to get sick. as far as insecticide goes...that's protecting the swamp....insecticide will have lasting effects sure...but will they be the results we want?
Go to our mobile site | Make this your homepage (IE)
WSAZ.com Most Popular / Most Comments
National News Headlines
PHONE IN YOUR YELLS TO: 1-866-616-5354
The Yell: Comments for the Week of 11/30
  • Posted By: Bill: I am a native Mountaineer...what's up with "The Yell"? Couldn't there be a better name for your soundoff? Love the idea...
  • Posted By: Sophie: What is going on with all of these "home invasions!" This really scares me. I hope they catch these thugs. How tramatic!
  • Posted By: Kevin: I am just fine with the new look of your website, no problems navigating at all. The people who complain are the ones who fear change, to me this explains why Robert Byrd keeps getting voted into office.
  • Posted By: Ari: I feel SOOO bad for that poor bear that those people are keeping as a "pet" a bear is not a pet, these are the people I dont feel sorry for when they get mauled and there hand bitten off
  • Posted By: Me: I like the postings from other outlets, (wowk etc.) This lets me see a varitey of headlines and stories without moving all around
  • Posted By: Debbie: Your website looks great! It is very appealing to the eye when it comes up on the screen and user friendly. I not an expert by any means, yet I find your site non-threating for someone like me. I check your site twice daily and though I usually do not like change, I like this one! I'm thankful for WSAZ's coverage of Southern Ohio. You treat Ohio with the same level of importance as West Virginia. Thanks for a job well done, with heart.
  • Posted By: Alycia Marie Adams: I think that your new layout is really top notch! It looks much more professional and streamlined than it used to! Thank you for a job well done!
  • Posted By: Christian not offended: Thank you g, I'm glad there is someone else who understands the HOLIDAY meaning to HAPPY HOLIDAYS. If that offends some of you, then maybe you should leave town. This is a FREE country, not a communist one. HAPPY >>>insert holiday here<<< There is that less offending to you?
  • Posted By: Cathi: Thanks for the new website. I think it is truly great. Lots of information, great design. I get on this site many times each day and love the new look and info.
  • Posted By: drsenile: In the spirit of this joyous season, let us remember what it celebrates...the love and compassion for our fellow man. So, those of you who do NOT believe the way I do, get out of town! Sound like anyone you know? If you missed the sarcasm, may I suggest you also leave town.
  • Posted By: mooonie: I like the new layout , it is easier to find what you're looking for . I can't understand what others are complaining about . Great job !!
  • Posted By: drsenile: Well, I just attempted to submit a comment and it disappeared. And no, it wasn't my computer. My basic problem with this site...too much glitz, not enough substance; slow to load information; and, it appears none of the WSAZ staff ever read much of what's here and it might actually improve.
  • Posted By: drsenile: It is the season for honoring a man born 2000 years ago and to celebrate what he brought to all of us in the spirit of love and compassion for our fellow man. So, all of you who DO NOT BELIEVE as I do, get out of town! If you fall to see the sarcasm, by all means, find another planet.
  • Posted By: drsenile: I realize I live in the ultra-exclusive suburb of Milton, but I am curious as to the reason gas prices (for one) are consistently higher than our less fortunate neighbors (like Huntington). As of tonight, there is still a 16 cents per gallon differential between Milton and Huntington (and we are NOT lower). I guess we are helping to pay for improvements to the mayors pet projects.
  • Posted By: Paul: Your new web page is greate, Your local and national coverage is so much easier to surf. You will have critics out there, but any change that is new will not be accepted for a while, this is common for the region that we live in. Keep up the good work WSAZ. Please excuse some of my spelling)
  • Posted By: Taxpayer: At least one Senator has put a secret hold on the nomination of Neil Barofsky to be appointed Inspector General to oversee the $700 billion Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP). It is not clear why the lawmaker is holding up the nomination. Mr. Barofsky appears to be eminently qualified for the Inspector General position, and whether you support the bailout or not, all taxpayers have an interest in making sure every dime is spent appropriately and not subjected to waste, fraud or abuse. Please call the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 to connect with your Senator's office and find out whether they are responsible for holding up this nomination of the watchdog for the massive bailout package.
  • Posted By: Jennifer: To Volley Mom, yes that's true about life in general but we're talking about a web page, come on. It's not THAT important.
  • Posted By: L.: A little feedback on the site redesign; I like the layout, but it's very crowded and cluttered. I browse the site frequently on my iPhone and I have great difficulty doing that with the new layout - I can't scroll using the touchscreen because all of the columns are crowded together and when I try to scroll I end up clicking on something.
  • Posted By: : I DO NOT LIKE THE NEW PAGE. THE OLD PAGE WAS SO MUCH BETTER!!!
  • Posted By: Melinda: THE ONLY THING THAT NEEDS FIXED ON YOUR NEW WEB SITE IS THE VIEWING OF THE VIDEOS LIKE YOU HAVE GOING ON AROUND THE WORLD I HAVE A POP UP BLOCKER THAT WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO VIEW IT AND BEFORE IT NEVER STOPPED ME.
  • Posted By: Melinda: I LIKE THE NEW WEB PAGE KEEP THIS ONE! ITS EASIER TO READ AND GET TO THINGS.
  • Posted By: Volley Mom: The only thing in life consistent is change. We all need change to keep life interesting. Life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% how you deal with it. Learn to deal with things in life a little better. I happen to like the new site.
  • Posted By: Bling Bling: Like the new site, but like asked before why are you running the competitions headlines? Also another recommendation - somewhat croweded but hey it is the news so I will live with it
  • Posted By: Buckeye: I like the new site. Just get sick of seeing the shaking "classmate.com" advertisement. But, they pay a bill I'm sure.
  • Posted By: ann: I HATE THE NEW SIT IT WONT FIT ON MY SCREEN RIGHT ITS MESSED UP CHANGE IT BACK PLEASE HURRRY
  • Posted By: ann: love the new site
  • Posted By: Jennifer: I don't like the new page either, I know change is something you have to get used to but....just my opinion.
  • Posted By: IdiotsUAre: The United States of America was founded under God! The creator of this earth, the father of our Savior Jesus Christ. He is why we even have Christmas. So say Christmas an not holidays! If you want to say holidays then go to another county or even California it might as be its own.
  • Posted By: yuck: I don't like change, please go back to the other website.
  • Posted By: Bob: WSAZ, Why are you linking to WOWK headlines on your website? Even linking to the Daily Mail, Gazette, and H-D isn't smart - because in the online world, they're even more of a competitor to you.
  • Posted By: Bob: Someone could be shopping for Hanukkah gifts. Read a book other than just the Bible.
  • Posted By: BibleThumpers: It's actually a pagan festival for the Winter Solstice. The Christians adopted it as Christ's birthday later on and even adopted many of the pagan items, such as putting up a tree and having a great feast.
  • Posted By: g: it is the stupidest thing I have ever heard, to be offended by the word "Holiday", this all comes from you bible thumpers that all want to tell other people how to think and what to say. You offend me! This is the Holidays! Even 50 years ago before all this ridiculous crap started, cards said Happy Holidays, because it covered Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's, it is the Holiday Season! So Season's Greetings and Happy Holidays Y'all!
  • Posted By: to Lady A:: The "holiday" season also encompasses Hanukkah, a major holiday for those of us who follow the Jewish faith. We also give gifts and do "holiday" shopping this season; thankfully WSAZ is less ignorant than you are and recognizes that their viewership reflects more than one faith.
  • Posted By: to Lady A: FYI, Hanukah is also coming up and we of the jewish faith also exchange gifts during this HOLIDAY season. I, for one, am thankful that WSAZ considers all of their viewers. Your comment was incredibly ignorant.
  • Posted By: What the heck: I agree with Pat, I'm not liking the new page AT ALL.
  • Posted By: Christian not offended: Ok there Lady A, just slow down a minute. Huntingtonian made a good point. Have you ever heard of Hanukah? Some people shop for Hanukah. Jesus was Jewish, so don't tell me that being a Jew is a sin, & Christmas is THE ONLY HOLIDAY this time of year. Yes, I too love to hear MERRY CHRISTMAS, but I refuse to become upset when someone says happy holidays. How do you know if when you say MERRY CHRISTMAS to someone, your not saying it to a Jewish person? Do you ever hear them make a big fat stink about it? NO!!!, you don't. So I think you should just be happy that God has given you another day on this Earth. So that you have the time to celebrate, with your family, whatever holiday you choose. I've decided to say HAPPY MERRY KWANZ~MA~KA that way I've covered them all.
  • Posted By: Pat: Much like New Coke and the new Marco I think you've made a mistake with the new web pagedesign. I don't use Yahoo because the site is too cluttered and I feel the same about your new page. More is not necessarily better!
  • Posted By: Ari: It is CHRISTMAS it is the time we celebrate Christ being born, not Kwanzza or Hanukah. Kwanzza is racist anyways it's a celebration of being black. I have no problem with people saying Happy whatever it is but I am NOT going to watch what i say and not say Marry Christmas becasue it might offend people
  • Posted By: LadyA`: The question was, Did you do any Holiday shopping over the weekend? The shopping they were referring was Christmas shopping. What other holiday shopping would we be doing? Thanksgiving was over. It offended me like many others. It is the Christmas season and I want to see the word Christmas used, not holiday or xmas.
  • Posted By: Huntingtonian: I agree with Anonymous!! It is the "holiday season" and by definition, it encompasses all of the holidays that are coming, not just Christmas. I also am a christian and see something inherintly wrong with pigeon holing this time of year to simply "Merry Christmas." What I find really offensive is those of you who believe that it is ok to say "Christmas" but would be outraged if "Happy Kwanza" or "Happy Hanukah" appeared anywhere. So, that being said: HAPPY HOLIDAYS and a JOYOUS NEW YEAR to all!!
  • Posted By: : Holiday is in referance to ALL holidays this time of year. I have been saying Happy Holidays since I was a kid, growing up during the 80's. Christmas is not the only holiday this time of year. We did just celebrate Thanksgiving, remember. I am a Christian, that is not offended by the phrase HAPPY HOLIDAYS.
  • Posted By: ann: I agree with ladyA its CHRISTMAS
  • Posted By: LadyA: WSAZ- Could you please change the word Holiday to Christmas on your question? The word Holiday offends me.
  • Posted By: mad: To the doofus deer hunter who knocked my mailbox over on gritt rd if you cant drive any better than that you shouldnt have a GUN and thanks for letting us know you smashed the mailbox. MERRY CHRISTMAS DOOFUS
Click Here to Read Story and Post Comments
First Warning Weather Hour-By-Hour
+ Ashland, KY
+ Athens, OH
+ Beckley, WV
+ Charleston, WV
+ Clarksburg, WV
+ Clay, WV
+ Gallipolis, OH
+ Huntington, WV
+ Ironton, OH
+ Logan, WV
+ Morgantown, WV 		+ Paintsville, KY
+ Parkersburg, WV
+ Pikeville, KY
+ Pomeroy, OH
+ Portsmouth,OH
+ Ripley, WV
+ Spencer, WV
+ Sutton, WV
+ Wayne, WV
+ Wheeling, WV
+ Williamson, WV
WSAZ.com Sponsor Sections & Links
SOMC
Very good things are happening here
Weight Watchers
Are you ready to lose weight?
Prudential Bunch
Since 1959 unequaled performance
Moms4Moms
By moms, for moms
WV Lottery
Nightly drawings and numbers
WVA Electric
Visit our unique lighting lab
Big Sandy
For all your furniture and appliance needs
Budget Blinds
The best in custom window coverings

WSAZ Mobile