West Nile infections up drastically over 2006

The number of cases of mosquito-borne West Nile virus infection in the United States are up sharply over roughly the same time last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As of July 31, a total of 22 states have reported 185 cases to the CDC, including 60 West Nile-associated brain infections and five deaths. For comparison, by mid-July last year, 10 states had reported 15 cases of human West Nile virus.

The high level of infections as of the end of July has the American College of Emergency Physicians concerned, given that the peak mosquito season in August and September is just now getting underway.

In a written statement, ACEP president Dr. Brian Keaton said: “Given the jump in reported cases, along with the minute chance of developing life-threatening illness, we are asking people in areas where it is prevalent to become familiar with the incidence and symptoms of West Nile virus and to take extra precautions against mosquito bites.”

So far this year, the hardest-hit states are California with 42 cases, South Dakota with 38, North Dakota with 14, Mississippi with 13, and Nebraska with 12.

According to the CDC, up to 20 percent of people who become infected with West Nile virus develop symptoms such as fever, headache and body aches, nausea, vomiting and sometimes swollen glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms can last for a few days or several weeks.

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About 1 percent of people infected will develop severe illness, including high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks and neurological effects may linger.

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If the virus enters the brain, it can cause deadly diseases including encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, or meningitis, an inflammation of the tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

“It is important to be aware of the symptoms of severe infection and to seek medical attention if those symptoms arise,” Keaton said.

There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus, making prevention critical, he added. The best way to reduce the chance of becoming infected is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by using insect repellent; eliminating standing water around the home where mosquito can breed; wear long-sleeves and pants when outdoors; stay inside between sunset and sunrise; repair screens on doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out.