CLEVELAND - There's little agreement among doctors and public health officials on when someone should be tested for West Nile virus.

        The Ohio Department of Health pays for tests only on the most seriously ill patients. Some health departments, though, tell doctors to test those with milder symptoms.

        “A lot of people are coming into the emergency rooms and doctor's offices asking to be tested,” Dr. Jennifer Hanrahan, head of infectious diseases at MetroHealth Medical Center, told the Plain Dealer. “But if they don't have severe disease, there is not really any specific reason to test people.”

        There have been 36 probable cases in Ohio of the mosquito-borne virus, with four deaths suspected, the state health department said Thursday

        Dr. Hanrahan recommends against testing patients with a mild viral illness, because the test costs about $175.

        The state health department is reviewing its guidelines on testing and plans to mail them to local health officials by next week.

        Cuyahoga County health officials don't think doctors should test everyone with mild West Nile symptoms, including headache, fever, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph glands.

        But if someone with those symptoms also has mosquito bites, they think testing should be done.

        Knowing where the mild cases are “tells us something about the level of the disease” in the community, said Tim Horgan, Cuyahoga County health director.

        Karen Silvey of Stow, who had mosquito bites, fatigue and fever, said she was surprised when neither her doctor's office nor Summit County health officials followed up on her request to be tested.

        There is a creek behind her home where mosquitoes can breed and a pond down the street.

        “I'm not a hypochondriac,” she said. “I'm not a drama queen looking for action. I'm a mother of two small children.”

        The Ohio Department of Health pays for tests only on patients hospitalized with encephalitis or meningitis, the most severe symptoms.

Related stories:
West Nile find doubles search
       

E-mails uncover political squabble
E-mails show Luken's and Portune's differences
Report says air in Ohio among worst in nation
W. Chester officials try to shut out adult shops
West Nile find doubles search
Add Mason to list of mall sites
Coalition attacks bill backing charter schools
Labor Day travel looks thinner
Light rail factions squaring off
More time granted for overseer applicants
Obituary: Bud Weast admired for caring and ethics
Oldenburg Academy rich in charm, tradition
Tenants' views not well received by magistrate
Tristate A.M. Report
When to test for West Nile uncertain
Workers drill row after row for posts
BRONSON: Spin cycle
HOWARD: Some Good News
SMITH AMOS: Lincoln Hts. reunion
Airport named for Hogans
Butler Co. parks district wants transfer-fee increase
Clermont water tower is approved
Prison workers fear uprising
Cash-strapped Hagan runs campaign ad on Internet
Congresswoman sought help for husband's firm
Florence Y'all fest lasts all weekend
Insurance scam gets man 5 years
Lucas' fast-track view praised
N.Ky. in high gear after first W. Nile sign
Report: Gas main was left on
Schools tackle bullying
Toss out ice cream from church festival