CDC: Surge in West Nile cases - The Capitol Column

According a press release from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some parts of the United States are experiencing higher-than-usual rates of West Nile virus infections. Though West Nile infections tend to occur every summer, this year’s outbreaks have thus far been earlier and more significant than in previous years. Most infections occur from June into September and the highest infection numbers are usually in mid-August. The number of reported West Nile Viruses at the end of July, however, has not been this high since 2004.

This year has thus far seen a total of 241 cases of West Nile virus, including four deaths. “It is not clear why we are seeing more activity than in recent years,” said Marc Fischer, a medical epidemiologist in the CDC’s Arboviral Diseases Branch, in a statement. “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.”

Though most cases of West Nile virusâ€"almost 80 percentâ€"have been from Texas, Mississippi, and Oklahoma, 42 total states have reported infections in humans, birds, or mosquitos. Viral presence in mosquitos is important because the virus is generally transmitted to human populations by mosquitos. Mammals, including humans, are generally considered “dead ends” for the virus as it cannot replicate enough to spread from humans to other humans.

The best way to avoid West Nile virus infection, then, is to avoid getting bitten by mosquitos. Wearing long sleeves and long pants outside and using insect repellent can protect one for West Nile virus. Keeping doors and windows shut or ensuring that screens on windows and doors are in good repair can prevent mosquitos from getting inside. Since mosquitos reproduce in standing water, emptying out buckets, children’s pools, and other sources of standing water can reduce the number of mosquitos in a given area.

Only about 20 percent of people who contract West Nile virus actually become ill, and less than 1 percent develop serious neurological illnesses involving inflammation of the brain and nearby tissues. Of those who develop neurological issues, an average of 10 percent die. There are no treatments for or vaccines against West Nile virus, though pain medications or intravenous fluids may become necessary in severe cases. Most people who fall ill as a result of West Nile virus infection recover on their own, though symptoms often persist for several weeks. People 50 years of age and older and people with preexisting medical conditions that weaken their immune systems are at greatest risk from the infection.