CDC Predicts Worst Year for West Nile Virus as Cases and Death Toll Rises – How to Protect Yourself

Recent information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that cases of West Nile Virus infection, as well as cases of death from the West Nile Virus are up substantially. The agency data showed a 40% increase in cases of the virus nationwide over last week.

The number of cases of West Nile Virus stand at 1590 and have resulted in a total of 66 deaths across the United States. Cases of West Nile first turned up in the U.S. in 1999. The worst years for death from the west nile virus were reported in 2002 and 2003 when over 250 people died each year.

The CDC director, Lyle Peterson, announced on Wednesday this week that the agency expects this year to be the worst in terms of the number of cases of West Nile Virus. Despite the end of summer, the CDC expects the number of cases to continue to rise and reach a peak near the end of September to the first part of October.

Here are answers to a few of the commonly asked questions about the West Nile Virus:

How does West Nile Virus spread? The West Nile Virus is spread from mosquito bites.

What are the symptoms of West Nile Virus infection? Most people will actually have no symptoms of infection. Twenty percent of those infected will have mild symptoms of West Nile Virus which include fever, headache, body ache, and for some a skin rash and swollen lymph glands. In severe reactions to West Nile Virus, affecting less than one in a hundred, symptoms will include: headache, high fever, a stiffness in the neck, tremors, convulsions, and potentially coma or paralysis.

What are the best ways to protect against West Nile Virus? Since the virus is spread by mosquitos, protecting against the west nile virus means avoiding and protecting against mosquitos. The CDC recommends what they call the “Four D’s” approach to West Nile Virus prevention which is to: use DEET mosquito repellents, Dress in long sleeves and pants, stay indoors at Dusk and Dawn, and Drain standing water around your home which is where mosquitos breed.