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When warm weather arrives so do the mosquitos. With mosquitos comes the threat of West Nile virus. Fortunately there are simple measures that everyone can take to protect themselves. |
Experts now believe that West Nile virus is established as a seasonal epidemic in North America that flares up in the summer and continues into the fall.
“This is something we are going to have to learn to live with,” said Julie L. Gerberding, M.D., M.P.H., director of CDC.
So how did this rarely heard of disease so quickly become an annual public health threat?
Commonly found in humans and birds and other vertebrates in Africa, Eastern Europe, West Asia and the Middle East, West Nile virus had not been documented in the Western Hemisphere until its appearance in New York in 1999. It is not known from where the U.S. virus originated, but it is most closely related to strains found in the Middle East.
The transmission cycle of West Nile virus begins when mosquitoes become infected after feeding on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then transmit West Nile virus to humans and animals while biting to take blood. During blood feeding, the virus may be injected into an animal or human, where it may multiply, possibly causing illness.
Fortunately, even in areas where the virus is circulating, very few mosquitoes are infected with the virus. Even if a mosquito is infected, less than 1 percent of people who get bitten and become infected will get severely ill. Among those with severe illness, fatality rates range from 3 to 15 percent and are highest among the elderly.
What can be done to prevent outbreaks of West Nile virus?
Several companies are working toward a vaccine. Until then, CDC states that the most effective prevention is protecting oneself from mosquitoes.
“Among the weapons against West Nile virus are easy, practical steps that individuals can take to reduce their chances for exposure,” Gerberding says.
CDC recommends people eliminate areas of standing water where mosquitoes can breed. People should also use an insect repellent containing DEET and wear protective clothing such as long sleeves and long pants when outdoors.
The CDC Foundation supports a variety of programs that help CDC protect the public’s health from threats like West Nile virus. Learn more about the Foundation’s healthy lifestyles initiatives.
For more information on West Nile virus, visit these web sites.