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20061 Edison Circle East
Clearwater, MN 55320
Phone: 1-800-240-4262
Fax: 320-558-2223
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WEST NILE VIRUS UPDATE

WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF WEST NILE VIRUS AND ITS PRESENCE IN THE UNITED STATES?

West Nile virus was first identified in the West Nile District of Uganda in 1937, and subsequently has been found in humans and animals in several countries. The origin of the U.S. epidemic is uncertain, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention believe the virus has been here at least since 1999 and that it is related genetically to a strain from the Middle East.

HOW MANY HUMAN CASES OF WEST NILE HAVE OCCURRED IN THE UNITED STATES?

In its first year in the United States, 62 cases of severe disease, including seven deaths, occurred. Last year, 2006, there were 4,075 cases of WNV in 44 states, with 177 deaths. For the most recent count, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/surv&controlCaseCount07_detailed.htm

IS WEST NILE VIRUS HERE TO STAY?

Some experts have speculated that increasing warmer weather could help sustain the presence of the virus or that it will move in cycles. However, according to the CDC, continued expansion of WNV indicates that it is permanently established in the Western Hemisphere.

HOW DOES WEST NILE VIRUS SPREAD?

The mosquito is the primary vector for West Nile virus transmission. Therefore, the greatest risk of infection occurs during prime mosquito season and when ideal breeding conditions exist. The optimal temperature for mosquito breeding is between 77 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit, so in temperate regions, including much of the United States, most breed and transmit disease in the late summer and early fall. In the milder climate of the southern states, West Nile virus can be transmitted year round.

CAN MOSQUITOES SURVIVE OVER THE WINTER AND STILL CARRY WEST NILE VIRUS?

One of the species of mosquitoes that can survive over the winter and is a carrier of West Nile virus is the Culex. It survives in the adult stage and is able to carry disease through cold seasons. Some infectious mosquitoes can even survive in frozen standing water. In cities such as Chicago and New York, mosquitoes have survived in underground areas such as subways.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF WEST NILE VIRUS INFECTION?

Most infections are mild, and symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, and occasionally skin rash and swollen lymph glands. More severe infection could cause headache, high fever, stiff neck, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, paralysis, and rarely death.