West Nile Virus Outbreak Update

According to the CDC, the number of West Nile Virus cases so far this year is the highest reported through August since it was first detected in the U.S. in 1999.

To date, 38 states have reported West Nile virus infections in humans. Specifically, a total of 1,118 human infection cases, including 41 deaths, have been reported to the CDC. Of these, 629 (56%) were classified as neuroinvasive disease (eg, meningitis or encephalitis) and 489 (44%) were classified as non-neuroinvasive disease. Approximately 75% of the cases have been reported from 5 states (Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, South Dakota, and Oklahoma) and almost half of all cases have been reported from Texas.

West Nile Virus is a potentially serious seasonal epidemic that flares up in the summer and continues into the fall. Most often, West Nile Virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. About one in 150 people infected with West Nile Virus will develop severe illnesses, which can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, and others.

For more information call (800) CDC-INFO or visit http://www.cdc.gov/westnile.