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West Nile virus expected to spread across United States
ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- The mosquito-borne West Nile virus, which can cause encephalitis, a disease that causes inflammation of the brain and can result in death, is expected to eventually spread across the United States, federal health officials said Wednesday. "It's likely the virus will spread slowly, including a potential risk to humans, outside of where it currently is," Dr. David Fleming, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), told CNN. "But the good news is that we don't have to guess about that." However, the spread has been rapid along the eastern seaboard since it was detected in the United States two years ago. Researchers led by Dr. Denis Nash of the New York City Health Department recommended physicians in that part of the country be on the alert.
The virus is believed to have originated in Africa and been brought to this country by zoo animals. Mosquitoes, specifically the Culex mosquito, spread the virus to birds, animals and humans. Most infected people never experience any symptoms, although some experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache and body aches. Since 1999, West Nile virus has made 74 people severely ill and caused nine deaths. All of the victims were in New York and New Jersey. "So far in this country, there have been a fairly small number of cases that have required hospitalization. Last year there were only 21 cases in the United States," said Fleming. "But studies that were done show that only one in 100 to one in 150 people who are infected actually go on to develop symptoms." The virus, first identified in 1937 in the West Nile region of Uganda, was detected in the United States two years ago after birds and humans in the New York City area were bitten by infested mosquitoes. Since 1999, the virus has been detected in 12 states and the District of Columbia -- from as far north as Vermont down to North Carolina. So far this year, it's been detected in dead crows in New York, Connecticut, Maryland and New Jersey. The CDC has advised all state health departments to be on alert for signs of the virus. In response, Georgia for one has formed a West Nile Task Force. Individual counties are trapping mosquitoes and analyzing them. When West Nile virus activity is detected in an area, residents are alerted to take precautionary steps to protect themselves. Health officials suggest citizens who find dead birds or animals contact the local Board of Health. It's also recommended that residents limit breeding grounds for mosquitoes by eliminating standing water in areas such as gutters, old tires, wading pools, outside containers and pails. People can also limit their risk of being bitten by any type of mosquito by wearing long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are more prevalent and by wearing a repellent containing the chemical DEET.
RELATED STORIES: West Nile virus blamed for death in Brooklyn RELATED SITES: West Nile Virus Home Page -- New Jersey | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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