CIENCIASMEDICASNEWS: CDC West Nile Virus Homepage

CDC West Nile Virus Homepage

Did You Know?

August 31, 2012

Nearly 1,600 cases and 65 deaths from West Nile virus have been reported in the United States this year, the highest year on record since 1999.
West Nile virus can lead to severe health complications, including meningitis, encephalitis, paralysis, and even death.
CDC has a number of health education materials public health professionals can use to inform the public about how to protect themselves from West Nile virus.

Since 1999, more than 30,000 people in the United States have been reported as getting sick with West Nile virus. Infected mosquitoes spread West Nile virus (WNV) that can cause serious, life altering disease.

2012 West Nile virus update: as of August 28

As of August 28, 2012, 48 states have reported West Nile virus infections in people, birds, or mosquitoes. A total of 1,590 cases of West Nile virus disease in people, including 65 deaths*, have been reported to CDC. Of these, 889 (56%) were classified as neuroinvasive disease (such as meningitis or encephalitis) and 701 (44%) were classified as non-neuroinvasive disease.

The 1,590 cases reported thus far in 2012 is the highest number of West Nile virus disease cases reported to CDC through the last week in August since West Nile virus was first detected in the United States in 1999. Over 70 percent of the cases have been reported from six states (Texas, South Dakota, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Michigan) and over 45 percent of all cases have been reported from Texas.

*One death that was incorrectly entered was removed on 8/30/2012.