West Nile Virus

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

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)

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

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

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

• West Nile Virus Survivors Foundation: West Nile Virus