West Nile Virus Cases Reported to CDC Through July Are Most Since 2004
CDC urges seniors, others to take action to avoid this mosquito-carried disease
Aug. 3, 2012 - Concern being expressed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention due to the outbreak of 241 cases
of West Nile virus disease, including four deaths. This is the highest number of cases reported through the end of July since 2004. Thus far
in 2012, 42 states have reported West Nile virus infections in people, birds, or mosquitoes.
Almost 80 percent of the cases have been reported from three states, Texas, Mississippi, and Oklahoma.
The CDC is urging people, especially older Americans, to take steps to prevent West Nile virus infections. Outbreaks of
West Nile virus disease occur each summer in the U.S. but this year some areas of the country are experiencing earlier and greater activity.
West Nile virus is transmitted to people by infected mosquitoes. In the United States, most people are infected from June
through September, and the number of these infections usually peaks in mid-August.
Seasonal outbreaks often occur in local areas that can vary from year to year. Many factors impact when and where
outbreaks occur, such as weather, numbers of mosquitoes that spread the virus, and human behavior.
It is not clear why we are seeing more activity than in recent years, said Marc Fischer, M.D., M.P.H., medical
epidemiologist with CDCs Arboviral Diseases Branch. Regardless of the reasons for the increase, people should be aware of the West Nile
virus activity in their area and take action to protect themselves and their family.
Ways to prevent the virus
The best ways to prevent West Nile virus disease are -
Avoid mosquito bites.
Use insect repellents when you go outdoors.
Wear long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk.
Install or repair screens on windows and doors. Use air conditioning, if you have it.
Empty standing water from items outside your home such as flowerpots, buckets, and kiddie pools.
Why you want to prevent it
Approximately 1 in 5 people who are infected with West Nile virus will develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body
aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash.
Less than 1 percent will develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the
brain or surrounding tissues).
About 10 percent of people who develop neurologic infection due to West Nile virus will die.
People over 50 years of age and those with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney
disease, and organ transplants, are at greater risk for serious illness.
There are no medications to treat, or vaccines to prevent, West Nile virus infection.
People with milder illnesses typically recover on their own, although symptoms may last for several weeks. In more severe
cases, patients often need to be hospitalized to receive supportive treatment, such as intravenous fluids, pain medication, and nursing care.
Anyone who has symptoms that cause concern should contact a health care provider.
More information is available at
http://www.cdc.gov/westnile
>> West Nile Virus: What You Need To Know
>> More by CDC on how to prevent mosquito bites
>> All about mosquitoes at Wikipedia
