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What is West Nile Virus?


West Nile Virus is carried and spread by mosquitoes and can cause fatal inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or the membranes covering the brain or spinal cord (meningitis). West Nile Virus first appeared in the United States four years ago in New York City where 7 people died and 62 became ill. Since that time, the virus has been reported in 44 states, spreading south and west with over 4,000 human cases reported in 2002 compared to 149 during 1999-2001 and 256 deaths. The virus is expected to continue its march westward with more cases expected in 2003.


Many experts believe that virus in the U.S. is a mutated version of the one originating in the Nile River delta. This may explain why healthy people in middle age have been more likely to survive the diseases initial onslaught and suffer lasting neurological damage.

The world is becoming much more mobile, transporting exotic products, animals and bugs from continent to continent. There is an increased risk of spreading other mosquito-borne diseases such as yellow fever, dengue fever, malaria and Rift Valley Fever-a virus transmitted from livestock to humans by mosquitoes that can also result in death. West Nile may only be the beginning.
 
West Nile Virus Alert!  Record cases expected this year how can you protect your family?