West Nile virus on the rise in the U.S., health officials say
The United States is experiencing its biggest spike in
West Nile virus since 2004, with 241 cases of the disease reported nationwide
this year so far, including four deaths, health officials said.
Of the 42 states that have reported infections in people,
birds or mosquitoes, 80% of them have been in Texas, Mississippi and Oklahoma,
the CDC said in a statement. The national Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention also listed a breakdown of infections by state.
"It is not clear why we are seeing more activity
than in recent years," said Marc Fischer, a medical epidemiologist at the
CDC. "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."
The virus is transmitted through infected mosquitoes.
In the United States, most infections occur between June
and September, and peak in August, according to the CDC.
Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, joint
pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash, the CDC said in a statement this week.
"Less than 1% develop a serious neurologic illness
such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding
tissues)," it said.
People over age 50 and those with conditions such as
cancer, diabetes and kidney disease or with organ transplants are at greater risk.
There are no medications to treat West Nile virus or
vaccines to prevent infection. People with milder illnesses typically recover
on their own but those more seriously affected may need hospital care.
Health experts say prevention measures include avoiding
mosquito bites, using insect repellent and getting rid of insect breeding
sites.
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