Center prepared for virus

There's sure a lot of fuss over a mosquito.\nAs the West Nile Virus continues to spread nationwide, some IU students are worried that what was a harmless mosquito bite, could become deadly.\nIn Indiana, 57 people are inflicted with the disease; two people have died.\nThe fatality rate from infection ranges from three to 15 percent. One in 150 cases results in severe neurological disease, occurring mostly with the elderly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site. \nMost cases present no signs or only mild symptoms, including headache, rash, nausea, eye pain, fever and weakness. \nAs with many viral infections, students may just feel rundown and never seek a doctor's care. However, antibodies in the blood will likely be present years later, said Robert Hongen, the medical director for the IU Health Center. \nThe Health Center has not diagnosed anyone or even tested a patient for the virus. Hongen said it is probably only a matter of time. \n"I would definitely get it checked out," said junior Chang Sanders, who said he knows West Nile presents itself in flu-like symptoms. "It is going around, and it is dangerous."\nPhysicians are being thorough and cautious in routine checks. If suspicions do arise, more tests or a referral to a specialist will be given. This is especially needed in occurrences of encephalitis, which is an inflammation of the brain and may need a spinal tap. \nHongen said West Nile should be placed last on students' concerns, considering the risks of alcohol use and sex with multiple partners. \n"I don't really think about any other diseases," junior Ben Rubin said, who has few worries about West Nile virus and limited information. \n"Right now, when I see the news it concerns me," said Sanders, who once outside forgets about taking any precautions. \nThe virus is spread from the bite of an infected mosquito. The CDC confirmed infection through organ transplants, but is still investigating possible contamination in blood transfusions. \nPeople should not be scared to give or receive blood, because only one in 10,000 donors is infected, said Communications Manager Stephanie French of the American Red Cross. \nEven after hearing about the spread of West Nile, junior Karen Stone decided to donate blood. With extra precautions and testing, she felt secure with the procedure. \nThe idea of receiving a blood transfusion has Sanders worried because mistakes can be made.\n"There is a huge concern in the public, before there are concrete answers," French said.\nMore information is needed before the FDA will determine if another test is necessary, timely and monetarily feasible. Currently blood donation centers run 12 tests in a 24-hour period.\n"We believe a lot of the safe guards we have in place are going to protect the blood supply," French said. "We will continue to keep the blood supply as safe as possible."\nThe Culex mosquitoes -- 1 in 500 carry West Nile Virus -- are prevalent throughout Indiana. These insects infect mammals and birds of all sizes. \nA surveillance system tests birds until a positive specimen is identified in a county. Three infected blue jays were found in Monroe County this summer. \nIf a case of West Nile virus is identified on the IU campus, Rubin said it is the administration's job to alert the student body.\nBeing a Residence Advisor at Teter, Stone said more should be done by the Health Center to raise awareness. She said signs should be placed in the bathrooms of all the dorms. \nPeople should take precautions and listen to alerts, especially until the first frost, said Administrator Steve Creech of the Monroe County Health Department. The Monroe County Health Department clears still water from county property and plants salt tablets to kill mosquito larva.\nApplying insect repellent containing DEET, covering exposed skin and staying indoors at dawn and dusk are suggestions from the CDC.\nAfter wearing sandals, Stone noticed a bite on her foot. Although not experiencing symptoms out of the ordinary, she now covers her lower body and wears full shoes.