What is the death rate of the West Nile virus?
Of those who have severe cases, around 10 percent or 1 in 1,500 of the overall West Nile Virus cases results in a fatality. So far this year, there have been 479 total cases of West Nile Virus in the U.S, resulting in 21 deaths.
What are facts about West Nile virus?
West Nile virus (WNV) is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. It is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Cases of WNV occur during mosquito season, which starts in the summer and continues through fall. There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat WNV in people.
What disease does West Nile virus cause?
West Nile virus can cause encephalitis or meningitis (dangerous inflammation in the brain or spinal cord). This inflammation can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. It’s important to call your doctor if you have any severe symptoms of West Nile virus, such as: Intense, very painful headache. High fever (above 103° F or 39.5° C).
What is the prognosis of West Nile?
What is the prognosis of West Nile virus infection? Since 80% of people who get infected never have any symptoms or signs, the overall prognosis (or likelihood of full recovery) is excellent. Of the 20% who develop symptoms and signs, most are mild and may last for a week, but they may be left with some level of weakness, fatigue , and difficulty concentrating for weeks to months.
How likely is it to get West Nile virus?
Even in areas where the virus is circulating, very few mosquitoes are infected with the virus. Even if the mosquito is infected, less than 1% of people who get bitten and become infected will get severely ill. The chances you will become severely ill from any one mosquito bite are extremely small.
Where is West Nile virus endemic in California?
West Nile Virus in Los Angeles County West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease that affects residents in Los Angeles County. Public health agencies detect West Nile virus every year in L.A. County which means it's endemic and found naturally in our city environments.
Can you get sick from mosquito bites in California?
Mosquito-borne Diseases In addition to causing severe annoyance and allergic reaction, mosquitoes found in California are capable of spreading many diseases to humans and animals including: Chikungunya. Dengue. Filariasis (canine and feline heartworm)
Where is West Nile virus most common?
WNV is commonly found in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North America and West Asia. WNV is maintained in nature in a cycle involving transmission between birds and mosquitoes. Humans, horses and other mammals can be infected.
What are 3 signs of West Nile virus?
These are the most common symptoms of West Nile fever:Fever.Headache.Body aches.Skin rash on trunk of body.Swollen lymph glands.
How can you tell if you have West Nile virus?
Most people (8 out of 10) infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms. Febrile illness (fever) in some people. About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash.
Is West Nile virus curable?
There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus (WNV) disease; clinical management is supportive. Patients with severe meningeal symptoms often require pain control for headaches and antiemetic therapy and rehydration for associated nausea and vomiting.
Why are there no mosquitoes in Southern California?
California's Mediterranean climate, with its hot, dry summers, should be arid enough to eliminate the standing water that serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
When is mosquito season in California?
The peak mosquito season lasts from June to November in Los Angeles County. Mosquitos become infected with West Nile Virus when they feed on infected birds. Infected Culex mosquitos can then transmit the virus to humans through biting.
How long after a mosquito bite do you get West Nile?
Most West Nile virus infections happen during warm weather, when mosquitoes are active. The incubation period — the period between when you're bitten by an infected mosquito and the appearance of signs and symptoms of the illness — generally ranges from four to 10 days.
Who is at risk of becoming ill from West Nile virus?
Adults are at highest risk. People over age 50 and people who have ever received a solid organ transplant are more likely to develop serious symptoms of West Nile virus if they do get sick and should take special care to avoid mosquito bites.
Who is most at risk for West Nile virus?
Severe illness can occur in people of any age; however, people over 60 years of age are at greater risk. People with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and people who have received organ transplants, are also at greater risk.
Is West Nile virus in Orange County?
“West Nile Virus is endemic in Orange County, recurring every year during the summer months and continuing into the fall,” said Dr. Matthew Zahn, Deputy County Health Officer. "The best way to avoid West Nile Virus infection is to take precautionary measures to avoid mosquito bites.”
Is West Nile virus in Arizona?
WNV is spread primarily through mosquito bites. WNV is spread to people primarily through the bite of infected Culex species mosquitoes. Culex mosquitoes are found in Maricopa County and other parts of Arizona and we do have mosquitoes infected with WNV.
What do mosquitoes carry in California?
Historically, California has experience local transmission of malaria, western equine encephalomyelitis (WEE), St. Louis encephalitis (SLE), California encephalitis viruses, canine heartworm, and West Nile virus (WNV).
How many cases of West Nile virus are in the US?
CasesCasesDeaths20162,14910620172,09714620182,6471672019*9585418 more rows
When did WNV first appear in California?
WNV first appeared in California in 2003, and by 2004, WNV had spread to all 58 counties. Risk of infection is reduced through the coordinated efforts of local and state public health and vector control agencies. People can protect themselves from WNV by taking precautions to prevent mosquito bites.
When was the West Nile virus first detected?
West Nile Virus FAQs & Basics. West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne disease that was first detected in the United States in 1999.
