The West Nile virus has been surged this summer in the US. Infectious diseases According to a new report, it runs about 40% higher than usual.
The virus is most commonly spread in people through chewing Infected mosquitoesthe disease cycle also includes infected birds. When mosquitoes eat infected birds, they can pick up the virus and pass it on to humans.
There are around 770 human cases in the United States, with nearly 500 being categorized as seriously as they are, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which tracks cases reported by the state’s health department.
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This is about 40% higher than the average number of cases reported at this time (a total of about 550, with severe qualifications) based on CDC data.
Most cases of West Nile disease are reported in August and September.
The official report highlighted that this data is still preliminary. Many mild infections have not been reported, and there is often a delay before all serious cases are confirmed.
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Spikes are expected during peak season, but experts say the strength of the product Outbreak And the proportion of mosquitoes that test positive for the virus is rare.
For most people, West Nile causes mild symptoms, such as fever, pain, and rash, according to the CDC.
In rare cases, the virus can invade Nervous systemmeningitis, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), paralysis or death.
It is the surge in these latter symptoms that raise concerns. People over the age of 50 or with impaired immune systems are at the highest risk, and experts should be aware.
The West Nile virus was first identified in Africa in 1937, and the first European outbreak occurred in 1996. They arrived in the United States in 1999, and the New York outbreak sent 62 people to hospitals over two months.
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Avoiding mosquito bites is the forefront of defense. Health officials recommend wearing loose, long sleeved clothes. Apply insect repellents (especially when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk). Make sure the window screen is safe.
Around the house, removing standing water (such as it is found in buckets, tires, and ditches) can help prevent mosquitoes from growing.
