What’s going on with West Nile Virus?

Answer:

Summer is mosquito season in many states and the time most likely to see increased reporting about West Nile Virus (WNV) and its impact on birds, animals, and people. The CDC reports that a single mosquito bite can give you West Nile Virus. Using a mosquito repellent can improve your odds of avoiding West Nile virus. 

Residents of areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk of getting West Nile encephalitis; persons over 50 years of age have the highest risk of severe disease. It is unknown if people with immune-compromised health conditions are at increased risk for WNV disease. Because of public health concerns, the CDC tracks the virus and has a program to control infectious disease where possible.

For more information, you may want to visit the following sites:

About West Nile Virus:

• West Nile Virus: What You Need to Know (CDC)
• 2008 West Nile Virus Activity in the United States (CDC)
  • 2007 West Nile Virus Activity in the United States (CDC)
• Five Common Myths about West Nile Virus (CDC)
• West Nile Virus Vaccine Development (NIH)
• Clinical Trials Related to West Nile Virus (NIH)

Preventing and Treating West Nile Virus:

• Fight the Bite! (CDC)
• Updated Information regarding Insect Repellents (CDC)
• Insect Repellent Use and Safety  (CDC)
• Workplace Safety  (CDC)
• Protecting Pets from Mosquito-Bourne Diseases (FDA)

Related Question and Links

• Where can I find information about Lyme Disease?
• All Diseases Frequent Questions
• Frequent Questions Home

Last Updated: 07/09/2008