2012 West Nile virus update: September 18
As of September 18, 2012, 48 states have reported West Nile virus infections in people, birds, or mosquitoes. A total of 3,142 cases of West Nile virus disease in people, including 134 deaths, have been reported to CDC. Of these, 1,630 (52%) were classified as neuroinvasive disease (such as meningitis or encephalitis) and 1,512 (48%) were classified as non-neuroinvasive disease.
The 3,142 cases reported thus far in 2012 is the highest number of West Nile virus disease cases reported to CDC through the third week in September since 2003. Two thirds of the cases have been reported from seven states (Texas, Mississippi, Michigan, South Dakota, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and California) and almost 40 percent of all cases have been reported from Texas.