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• West Nile virus is commonly found in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. It was discovered in the United States in 1999 and is present today in all 48 contiguous states.MayoClinic.com: West Nile Virus

  West Nile virus can infect humans through mosquitoes. A mosquito contracts the virus from biting a contaminated bird.USGS: Background: West Nile Virus

• Fast Facts

  1. Abbreviated name: WNV
  2. Infection type: Viral
  3. Transmission: Birds to mosquitoes to humans
  4. Most cases occur during summer
  5. First appeared in U.S. in 1999MedlinePlus: West Nile Virus
  6. First isolated in 1937USGS: Background: West Nile Virus
  7. Has been found in 111 bird species
  8. Has been found in about 12 mammals
  9. Symptoms are almost always mildMayoClinic.com: West Nile Virus: Symptoms
  10. Infections can be severe or fatal in rare cases
  11. Less than 1% of infections develop severe illnessUSGS: Background: West Nile Virus

• 2008 Outbreak

  In early August of 2008, health officials reported an increase of the West Nile virus in Southern California. Officials stated the 2008 rates were reaching near-high levels, as recorded in 2004, when 21 people died and a total of 710 Southern California residents were infected. Rates of human infection previously fell between 2005 and 2007.Los Angeles Times: West Nile Cases on Rise in Southern California (August 6, 2008)

  Several other cases have been reported in 2008 across the United States. Places where cases of West Nile Virus have been documented include Washington State, New York State, Boston, Chicago and Dallas.Boston.com: West Nile virus spreading in mosquitoes across the state (August 5, 2008) Chicago Tribune: Year's first West Nile-infected mosquitoes detected in Chicago (August 5, 2008) The Dallas Morning News: Dallas County Confirms Season's First Case of West Nile (August 2, 2008) The Seattle Times: First person with West Nile virus reported in Washington (August 20, 2008) Newsday.com: Two diagnosed with West Nile virus in NYC (August 15, 2008)

• Symptoms

  • Rash
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

• Scientific Classification

  • Group: Group IV
  • Family: Flaviviridae
  • Genus: Flavivirus
  • Species: West Nile virus

• Disclaimer

  The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a physician for information on the West Nile virus.

• Related Mahalo Pages

  How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes | Encephalitis | Mosquito Bite | Mosquito | Fever | Bed Bugs

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