West Nile virus on the rise in U.S.

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West Nile virus on the rise in U.S.More>>
West Nile cases keep climbing; 118 deaths so far, CDC says
West Nile cases keep climbing; 118 deaths so far, CDC says
One of the worst outbreaks of West Nile virus ever to strike the United States has yet to subside, with a new total of 2,636 cases and 118 deaths.
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CDC: West Nile cases continue to climb; 87 deaths so far
CDC: West Nile cases continue to climb; 87 deaths so far
One of the worst outbreaks of West Nile virus ever to strike the United States has yet to subside, with a new total of 1,993 cases involving people, including 87 deaths.
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West Nile virus cases still rising, 66 dead: CDC
West Nile virus cases still rising, 66 dead: CDC
One of the worst outbreaks of West Nile virus to ever hit the United States continues to expand, with 66 deaths and 1,590 illnesses reported as of August 28th.
One of the worst outbreaks of West Nile virus to ever hit the United States continues to expand, with 66 deaths and 1,590 illnesses reported as of August 28th.
West Nile outbreak could be biggest ever
West Nile outbreak could be biggest ever
This year's West Nile virus outbreak is on track to be the biggest ever since the virus first appeared in the United States in 1999, U.S. health officials reported Wednesday.
This year's West Nile virus outbreak is on track to be the biggest ever since the virus first appeared in the United States in 1999, U.S. health officials reported Wednesday.

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THURSDAY, Aug. 2 (HealthDay News) -- With 241 cases of West Nile virus and four related deaths reported so far this year, the United States is experiencing the biggest spike in the mosquito-borne illness since 2004, health officials report.

Eighty percent of these infections have occurred in three states -- Texas, Mississippi and Oklahoma -- which have seen earlier activity than usual. Overall, 42 states had detected West Nile virus infections in people, birds or mosquitoes as of July 31, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday.

"It is not clear why we are seeing more activity than in recent years," Dr. Marc Fischer, medical epidemiologist with agency's Arboviral Diseases Branch, said in a CDC news release. "Regardless of the reasons for the increase, people should be aware of the West Nile virus activity in their area and take action to protect themselves and their family."

Typically, the greatest risk for infection with West Nile virus occurs from June through September, with cases peaking in mid-August. But changes in the weather, the number of infected mosquitoes and human behavior can all influence when and where outbreaks of the virus occur, the CDC noted.

The best way to protect yourself from West Nile virus is to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes. CDC officials recommend the following protective measures:

Use insect repellents when outside.

Wear long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk.

Install or repair window and door screens.

Use air conditioning whenever possible.

Do not leave standing water outside in open containers, such as flowerpots, buckets and kiddie pools.

People infected with the West Nile virus can develop fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. In more extreme cases, the virus can lead to serious neurologic illness, such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues), or death. People older than 50 and those with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease and organ transplants, are at greater risk for serious illness.

Although most people with mild cases of West Nile virus will recover on their own, the CDC recommends that anyone who develops symptoms of the illness should see their doctor right away.

More information

The U.S. National Institutes of Health provides more information on West Nile virus.

*DISCLAIMER*: The information contained in or provided through this site section is intended for general consumer understanding and education only and is not intended to be and is not a substitute for professional advice. Use of this site section and any information contained on or provided through this site section is at your own risk and any information contained on or provided through this site section is provided on an "as is" basis without any representations or warranties.

West Nile virus on the rise in U.S. - Houston weather, traffic, news | FOX 26 | MyFoxHouston

West Nile virus on the rise in U.S.

West Nile virus on the rise in U.S.More>>

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