AdministratorWhat was the West Nile virus?
Summary. West Nile virus (WNV) is an infectious disease that first appeared in the United States in 1999. Infected mosquitoes spread the virus that causes it. People who get WNV usually have no symptoms or mild symptoms. The symptoms include a fever, headache, body aches, skin rash, and swollen lymph glands.
Where are the most cases of West Nile virus?
The virus was first isolated in the Nile district in Uganda in 1937. Now the largest outbreaks are reported to be in Greece, Israel, Romania, Russia and the U.S. “It swept through the U.S. back in the ’90s, and now is found throughout the United States.
How many cases of West Nile are there?
West Nile Virus and the United States Overall, 2,445 cases of WNv were reported in humans, and there were 165 (6.8%) confirmed deaths in 2021. This data shows an increase in the number of human cases reported in 2020 (731).
Why is it called West Nile virus?
West Nile virus is named after the West Nile district of Uganda where the virus was first isolated in 1937. Outbreaks of the West Nile illness have occurred in Egypt, Asia, Israel, South Africa, and parts of Europe and Australia.
How do you get West Nile virus?
West Nile Virus (WNV) Disease is spread by the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. The infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to humans and other animals.
Why is West Nile virus a problem?
The virus can cause life-threatening illnesses, such as encephalitis, meningitis, or meningoencephalitis. There is no vaccine available to prevent West Nile virus. So, it is important to avoid mosquito bites.
How is West Nile transmitted?
How did the West Nile virus start?
West Nile virus was first identified in 1937 in Uganda in eastern Africa. It was first discovered in the United States in the summer of 1999 in New York. Since then, the virus has spread throughout the US. Researchers believe West Nile virus is spread when a mosquito bites an infected bird and then bites a person.
When was the first case of West Nile virus?
West Nile Virus (WNV) was first isolated in a woman in the West Nile district of Uganda in 1937. It was identified in birds (crows and columbiformes) in Nile delta region in 1953.
Who is most at risk for West Nile virus?
Severe illness can occur in people of any age; however, people over 60 years of age are at greater risk. People with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and people who have received organ transplants, are also at greater risk.
What are facts about West Nile virus?
West Nile virus (WNV) is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. It is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Cases of WNV occur during mosquito season, which starts in the summer and continues through fall. There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat WNV in people.
What pathogen is West Nile?
West Nile virus is primarily an avian pathogen, and is transmitted among birds by ornithophilic (bird-biting) mosquitoes; including the Asian tiger mosquito and other mosquito species ( Hayes et al. 2005) DHHS. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What is the death rate of the West Nile virus?
Of those who have severe cases, around 10 percent or 1 in 1,500 of the overall West Nile Virus cases results in a fatality. So far this year, there have been 479 total cases of West Nile Virus in the U.S, resulting in 21 deaths.
What is the prognosis for West Nile virus?
Signs and symptoms of West Nile fever usually last a few days. But signs and symptoms of encephalitis or meningitis can linger for weeks or months. Certain neurological effects, such as muscle weakness, can be permanent. Mild symptoms of West Nile fever usually resolve on their own.