Ridecamp: Re: [RC] WNV case confirmed in CA

>
> I also heard that she may have gotten it from a case of meningitis, rather
than a mosquito...in any case...I'll be vaccinating my guys.

I also thought I would pass along the gist of a conversation today among the
various medicine and surgical types at CSU---someone commented that there is
a thought going around that vaccinating just the one time (ie, without the
second booster 3-4 weeks later) is sufficient protection for the short time
until winter, and then a second booster should be given next spring.  The
reason is that because of the shortage of vaccine, a lot of practitioners
can't get enough to supply the second booster, and thus hoping one is
enough.  The relevant comment was made by CSU's two epidemiologists that
both said one vaccination is better than none, but you won't mount an
adequate immune response without the second booster (which is true, if you
know anything about immunology).  Their recommendation is to give both the
first and second vaccination now, and a booster next spring (which is what
I'm doing).  I also asked what the unofficial efficacy rate is of the
vaccine and they thought it was pretty effective, probably in their opinion
between 80-90%.  I asked again if there had been any reported adverse
reactions, and they said no.

BTW, from the first reported case in Colorado a few weeks ago, there are now
A LOT.  One case that ended up being positive for WNV was brought into the
teaching hospital and was ultimately euthanized.  Although the disease
didn't seem to be outright painful, it certainly wasn't pretty, nor was
watching his owner cry as we put him down.

JME,

Susan





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