Recent reports from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveal over 80 human cases of West Nile virus across at least 23 states. But what exactly is West Nile virus, and who should be most cautious?
Officials are calling for increased awareness, with experts suggesting “we’re due for an outbreak.”
West Nile virus is the leading mosquito-borne infection in the U.S., with around 80% of infected individuals showing no symptoms. However, 1 in 150 cases can lead to severe illness, sometimes fatal.
Common symptoms of West Nile virus include fever, headaches, joint pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, potentially followed by fatigue lasting weeks or even months. In more serious cases, the virus can impact the central nervous system, leading to complications such as brain inflammation. Severe symptoms may include headaches, neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, vision loss, numbness, coma, and paralysis. The fatality rate for these severe cases is about 10%.
The virus primarily spreads through mosquitoes, which acquire it from infected birds that they feed on. This year, West Nile activity is rising earlier than expected. “There’s a lot of activity now happening in the country,” said Kristy Murray, an expert at Emory University in Atlanta, during an interview with CNN.
Murray pointed out that over the past 25 years, spikes in West Nile activity typically occur every decade, with the last major increase in 2012. “I think we’re at our time where we’re due for an outbreak,” she remarked.
Texas has reported the highest number of cases so far, followed by Nevada and Nebraska. Following the first report in Larimer County, Colorado, officials have urged residents and visitors to “remain vigilant.” A separate case reported in Washington County, Wisconsin involved a healthy blood donor with the virus, but it is not classified as a human case since the donor showed no symptoms.
Currently, there are no available vaccines or medications to prevent West Nile virus infection, according to the CDC. To protect yourself, it’s essential to avoid mosquito bites. Here are some tips:
- Use insect repellent
- Wear long sleeves and pants outdoors
- Treat clothing with insect repellent
- Use screens and nets indoors to limit mosquitoes
- Eliminate stagnant water where mosquitoes breed
