August 28, 2024 – Thirty-three states This yr there have been confirmed cases of West Nile virusa mosquito-borne disease without vaccination or treatment.
There have been 289 cases of West Nile virus within the United States thus far in 2024, and two-thirds of those have been severe cases with neurological effects equivalent to brain swelling or, in rare cases, respiratory paralysis. The high-risk season for West Nile virus has just begun. Normally the nation sees roughly 2,200 cases yearly. Last yr the virus was linked to 182 deaths.
There is not any vaccine for West Nile virus and treatment for infected people consists only of supportive measures equivalent to fluids, painkillers or respiration assistance.
Of all West Nile cases reported to the CDC from 1999 to 2023, 40% involved humans Age 60 or older.
Only about 20% of individuals develop symptoms, which regularly include fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. About 1 in 150 people infected with the virus experience serious and potentially fatal illness.
The CDC reporting season for West Nile virus runs from June to December, and the agency expects additional cases could occur on account of reporting delays. Some cases usually are not on account of energetic infections but could also be reported through evidence from blood donations. And it's possible that cases of illnesses affecting the nervous system have gotten more common because persons are less more likely to seek medical attention or suspect West Nile virus in the event that they have only mild symptoms.
According to the CDC, the very best technique to prevent contracting the virus is to cut back the chance of mosquito bites, equivalent to using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, treating clothing and equipment with repellent, thereby limiting mosquito populations, and doing things like removal of areas with standing water where they prefer to breed.