NEW YORK (AP) — West Nile virus infections are intense so far this year, with case counts running 40% higher than normal, health officials say.
Health officials are ramping up warnings to the public, because most cases of the mosquito-borne disease are reported in August and September.
West Nile virus was first reported in the United States in 1999 in New York, and then gradually spread across the country.
In severe cases, damage to the central nervous system causes inflammation of the brain or spinal cord, and even death.
Colorado, which tends to see more West Nile virus, has reported about 150 of the nation’s cases — more than double what other states are reporting.
NEW YORK (AP) — According to health officials, West Nile virus infections are severe so far this year, with case counts 40 percent higher than usual.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released data this week showing that as of early September, there were over 770 cases reported, including approximately 490 severe cases. Around 550 cases, 350 of which are severe, are typically reported by this time of year.
In August and September, the majority of cases of the mosquito-borne disease are reported, so health officials are increasing their public warnings.
Dr. Robbie Goldstein, the public health commissioner for Massachusetts, stated in a statement last week that the West Nile virus can be a very serious disease and that it is still prevalent in mosquitoes in the state.
According to health officials, people can protect themselves by using an insect repellent registered with the EPA and, if feasible, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants when they are outside.
Following its initial discovery in New York in 1999, the West Nile virus progressively expanded throughout the United States. In 2003, there were almost 10,000 cases reported, marking its peak.
According to scientists, tens of thousands of people may be infected annually, but they are unaware of it because they only experience minor symptoms like rashes, headaches, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
In severe cases, central nervous system damage can result in spinal cord or brain inflammation and even death.
On average, 2,000 cases per year have been reported to health officials over the past ten years, including 1,200 fatal neurological illnesses and about 120 fatalities. According to CDC officials, deaths are expected to be higher this year, but they would not go into specifics, claiming that mortality data is simply too early.
This year, a greater percentage of mosquitoes are carrying the virus, which is the issue, according to CDC officials, not the fact that there are more mosquitoes overall. A number of variables, including temperature, rainfall, the level of insect control, and the number of infected birds in the area, can influence the rate of mosquito infection.
About 150 cases nationwide have been reported in Colorado, which typically has higher rates of West Nile virus infections. This is more than twice as many cases as other states.
Fort Collins has a lot of activity. According to CDC entomologist Roxanne Connelly, who lives in the southwest section of the city, monitoring conducted last month revealed that 35 out of 1,000 female mosquitoes were infected, which is significantly higher than the 8 per 1,000 that would be predicted for that time of year.
She mentioned that the year has been warm and rainy, though it’s unclear why.
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