West Nile virus infecting fewer people, 1,299 cases so far this year, 1,386 cases same period last year, USA

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Main Category: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Article Date: 20 Sep 2005 - 17:00 PDT

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Scientists are not sure why the number of West Nile Virus cases across the USA has fallen. Despite the disease spreading across most of the nation. Figures for the last three years are:

January-September 2005 - - 1,299
January-September 2005 - - 1,386
January-September 2005 - - 4,137

In 2003, the worst year, West Nile Virus had only just arrived at the outskirts of the West Coast states. 2003 saw most cases arise in Nebraska, South Dakota and Colorado.

Colorado has seen a huge drop, from around 3,000 in 2004 to just 48 in 2005. California has had 593 reported human cases so far this year. Even though many more carriers (birds and mosquitoes) have been spotted in the state this year.

West Nile Virus infects humans via mosquitoes that have bitten infected birds.

Scientists cannot explain why the number of human cases has dropped while the number of carriers has gone up. Perhaps people are taking more precautions (insect repellent).

Even humid, warm areas with lots of marshes and areas of standing water, such as Alabama, Mississippi and Florida have fewer reported cases.

In order for the mosquito to breed it needs stagnant (standing) water. If you can make sure your buckets are empty, clear all puddles and look out for any areas of stagnant water you will be denying the mosquito the chance to reproduce.

Written by Christian Nordqvist
Editor - Medical News Today
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

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