Unfortunately, the virus has spread from where it was first discovered in Uganda and Egypt to Europe, Asia and most recently, the United States.
Since it was first found in the North Eastern US in 1999, the West Nile virus has worked its way westward, so that in 2002, there were confirmed human cases in Texas, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana and California.
In 2003, the CDC reported that the West Nile virus has been found in 46 states around the US. The only states without any reported cases in 2003 included Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, and Alaska.
Other West Nile virus facts:
- In 2003 there were 9862 cases of West Nile virus related human illness confirmed to CDC, including 264 deaths.
- In 2002 there were 4156 cases of West Nile virus related human illness confirmed to CDC, including 284 deaths.
- From 1999 through 2001, there were 149 cases of West Nile virus human illness in the United States reported to CDC and confirmed, including 18 deaths.
- Cases occur primarily in the late summer or early fall.
The West Nile Virus was also found in donated blood in Houston last year. As all donated blood is now screened for West Nile, that should ensure a safe blood supply and fewer cases of transfusion related infections.
So how do you get infected with the West Nile virus? People get the West Nile virus after being bitten by an infected mosquito, with the mosquito becoming infected by feeding on an infected bird. You can not get the West Nile virus from an infected person or other infected animal, such as a bird or horse. In addition, there have been reports of a newborn getting West Nile through breastmilk (although this isn't considered a reason not to breastfeed), 23 cases of people getting it through transfusions of tainted blood and 2 last year even after screening of the blood supply had begun, and 4 after receiving transplants with infected organs.
Fortunately, very few people who become infected with the West Nile virus will develop serious symptoms. The most common symptoms, which usually develop 3-15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, are similar to many other viral infections and include:
- fever
- headache
- body aches
- skin rash
- swollen lymph glands
There is no specific treatment for a West Nile virus infection, but if you suspect that you or your child has become infected, you should see your doctor. An antibody test can help to confirm an infection, and may be done if your child has classic symptoms and lives in an area where the West Nile virus has been reported. Keep in mind that most people with mild symptoms, especially if they don't live in an area where there is an outbreak, will not need testing.
