West Nile virus on the rise in U.S. - NewsChannel5.com | Nashville News, Weather & Sports

West Nile virus on the rise in U.S.

Updated:
© iStockphoto / Thinkstock © iStockphoto / Thinkstock

THURSDAY, Aug. 2 (HealthDay News) -- With 241 cases of West Nile virus and four related deaths reported so far this year, the United States is experiencing the biggest spike in the mosquito-borne illness since 2004, health officials report.

Eighty percent of these infections have occurred in three states -- Texas, Mississippi and Oklahoma -- which have seen earlier activity than usual. Overall, 42 states had detected West Nile virus infections in people, birds or mosquitoes as of July 31, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday.

"It is not clear why we are seeing more activity than in recent years," Dr. Marc Fischer, medical epidemiologist with agency's Arboviral Diseases Branch, said in a CDC news release. "Regardless of the reasons for the increase, people should be aware of the West Nile virus activity in their area and take action to protect themselves and their family."

Typically, the greatest risk for infection with West Nile virus occurs from June through September, with cases peaking in mid-August. But changes in the weather, the number of infected mosquitoes and human behavior can all influence when and where outbreaks of the virus occur, the CDC noted.

The best way to protect yourself from West Nile virus is to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes. CDC officials recommend the following protective measures:

Use insect repellents when outside.

Wear long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk.

Install or repair window and door screens.

Use air conditioning whenever possible.

Do not leave standing water outside in open containers, such as flowerpots, buckets and kiddie pools.

People infected with the West Nile virus can develop fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. In more extreme cases, the virus can lead to serious neurologic illness, such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues), or death. People older than 50 and those with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease and organ transplants, are at greater risk for serious illness.

Although most people with mild cases of West Nile virus will recover on their own, the CDC recommends that anyone who develops symptoms of the illness should see their doctor right away.

More information

The U.S. National Institutes of Health provides more information on West Nile virus.

Copyright © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

  • Medical News HeadlinesMedical News Headlines

  • Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:15 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:15:04 GMT
    Disease, illness, even death, they can all be caused by the spread of bad bacteria. But there are billions of other kinds that could do your body a lot of good.
    Disease, illness, even death, they can all be caused by the spread of bad bacteria. But there are billions of other kinds that could do your body a lot of good.

  • Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:15 PM EDT2013-06-18 21:15:06 GMT
    More than 1,600 people in the U.S. are currently on the waiting list for a lung transplant. However, now a medical breakthrough is offering new hope.
    More than 1,600 people in the U.S. are currently on the waiting list for a lung transplant. However, now a medical breakthrough is offering new hope.

  • Monday, June 17 2013 5:15 PM EDT2013-06-17 21:15:01 GMT
    Mild cognitive impairment happens when a person has memory problems, but can still function well in everyday life. Now, there's good news: Doctors say a form of rehab can help these patients train their brains.
    Mild cognitive impairment happens when a person has memory problems, but can still function well in everyday life. Now, there's good news: Doctors say a form of rehab can help these patients train their brains.

  • Friday, June 14 2013 5:15 PM EDT2013-06-14 21:15:07 GMT
    They can be lifesavers, but resuscitation bags, known as Ambu-bags, may also be a danger. Ambu-bags are used by medical personnel to deliver oxygen to patients who cannot breathe.
    They can be lifesavers, but resuscitation bags, known as Ambu-bags, may also be a danger. Ambu-bags are used by medical personnel to deliver oxygen to patients who cannot breathe.

  • Thursday, June 13 2013 5:15 PM EDT2013-06-13 21:15:05 GMT
    Fifty percent of people have some form of gum recession.  A painful surgery was the only answer, until now. Out of necessity, one dentist is trying to ease the pain for his patients and millions of others.
    Fifty percent of people have some form of gum recession.  A painful surgery was the only answer, until now. Out of necessity, one dentist is trying to ease the pain for his patients and millions of others.

  • Wednesday, June 12 2013 5:15 PM EDT2013-06-12 21:15:07 GMT
    You probably know not to smoke, not to tan, and not to eat fattening foods. But other seemingly harmless vices can be ruining your health.
    You probably know not to smoke, not to tan, and not to eat fattening foods. But other seemingly harmless vices can be ruining your health.

  • Tuesday, June 11 2013 4:15 PM EDT2013-06-11 20:15:06 GMT
    Bariatric surgery is on the rise with an estimated 177,000 surgeries performed last year. But even with this surge in surgeries, there are still a lot of misconceptions about it.
    Bariatric surgery is on the rise with an estimated 177,000 surgeries performed last year, nearly four times the number performed four years ago. But even with this surge in surgeries, there are still a lot of misconceptions about it.

  • Monday, June 10 2013 5:15 PM EDT2013-06-10 21:15:01 GMT
    Millions of people practice yoga as a way to stay fit or for relaxation. But could it be used as medication?
    Millions of people practice yoga as a way to stay fit or for relaxation. But could it be used as medication?

  • Friday, June 7 2013 5:15 PM EDT2013-06-07 21:15:08 GMT
    Three out of four children will experience an ear infection by the age of three. But soon diagnosing the common problem may not require a trip to the doctor's office.
    Three out of four children will experience an ear infection by the age of three. But soon diagnosing the common problem may not require a trip to the doctor's office.

  • Thursday, June 6 2013 5:15 PM EDT2013-06-06 21:15:04 GMT
    Out of necessity or as a way to lose weight, it seems a lot of people are going gluten-free.  But taking out gluten doesn't mean you have to take out taste.
    Out of necessity or as a way to lose weight, it seems a lot of people are going gluten-free.  But taking out gluten doesn't mean you have to take out taste.
*DISCLAIMER*: The information contained in or provided through this site section is intended for general consumer understanding and education only and is not intended to be and is not a substitute for professional advice. Use of this site section and any information contained on or provided through this site section is at your own risk and any information contained on or provided through this site section is provided on an "as is" basis without any representations or warranties.
Powered by WorldNow
Contact Us | Advertise | Mobile | RSS Feeds | Facebook | Twitter | Email Alerts | Jobs |
Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use | Public File

© 2013 NewsChannel5.com | NewsChannel 5 WTVF-TV Nashville TN | Site hosted by WorldNow. All Rights Reserved.