A total of 543 human cases of West Nile virus disease have been reported to the CDC in 46 states and the District of Columbia as of September 24, 2019.
A total of 543 human cases of West Nile virus disease have been reported to the
Arizona is leading the nation in case counts, with 156 confirmed and probable cases reported as of September 20, 2019, according to the
“West Nile virus causes symptoms in about 20% of infected people, which can range from fever, headaches, and body aches, to more serious things like inflammation of the brain or spinal cord in rare cases,” Cara M. Christ, MD, MS, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, wrote in a
“This summer a record high West Nile virus and Saint Louis Encephalitis positive mosquitoes have been reported in the state, particularly in Maricopa County,” Christ continued. “The increase is likely due to the wetter conditions that Arizona has experienced during the last winter.”
Elsewhere, Ohio reported its first West Nile virus human case and death of the year last week. The Lucas County Health Department confirmed the death of a 68-year-old man who had been hospitalized with encephalitis,
"It only takes 1 bite. That is the saddest thing about mosquito-borne disease is it only takes 1 bite," Paul Bauman, a biologist and general manager for the Toledo Area Sanitary District, told the local station.
In 2018 there were
To prevent mosquito bites, the CDC recommends the use of Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellents with active ingredients including DEET, picaridin, IR3535, lemon eucalyptus oil, para-methane-diol, or 2-undecanone. For babies younger than 2 months of age, insect repellent is not recommended, and infants should instead be dressed in clothing that covers their arms and legs. Strollers and baby carriers should be covered with mosquito netting, particularly during the hours of dusk and dawn when mosquitos are most active.
