By Chris Cannon
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The United States has set a new record for human
cases of West Nile Virus. Nationwide, it is the worst year for the disease
since it was first discovered here in 1999.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported Wednesday 1,118 cases
of West Nile Virus in 38 states. Forty-one deaths have been attributed to the
disease.
In Tennessee, there are five reported human cases: one in Hickman County,
three in Shelby County, and one in Greene County.
"We expect more. How many? We're not certain, but we hope we don't have
a Texas-size problem," said Dr. William Schaffner, a preventable disease
specialist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Wednesday, the Texas Department of Health Services reported 586 human cases
of West Nile and 21 deaths.
Experts now think drought conditions in many parts of the country may have
contributed to the higher number of West Nile cases.
The disease is spread from birds to mosquitoes. With less water available
for both, they are sharing the few spots that actually have standing water.
"So the mosquitoes bite the birds, pick up the virus, and then
sometimes they bite us," said Dr. Schaffner.
The best way to avoid West Nile Virus is to prevent mosquito bites.
Dr. Schaffner said most bites occur around your home, so it is important to
remove any standing water. One place many people skip is gutters.
Bug spray is another important tool in keeping mosquitoes away. Wearing long
sleeves and pants will also cut down on the number of bites.
West Nile Virus season started in mid-August and can run through October.
email: ccannon@newschannel5.com
