In 2002, there was a case of transplacental (mother-to-child) transmission of the West Nile Virus reported. However, due to the limited number of cases reported, it is still impossible to tell what risks infections during pregnancy pose to the unborn child. West Nile Virus and PregnancyThe 2002 reported case of transplacental transmission of the West Nile virus resulted in the child having the West Nile virus infection at birth, as well as severe medical problems. However, according to Centers F…

All of us go to our health care provider when we feel something. In this case, if a person has symptoms of a West Nile virus illness, a specimen is sent of a commercial lab to determine if the person really has been infected by the virus. Commercial lab tests check for antibodies to the virus. The test results will be sent to your doctor and the state health department will be informed, once the results are confirmed positive. Though the WNV infection has no cure and though the diagnosis does no…

Humans are infected by the West Nile virus if they are bitten by an infected mosquito. In the workplace, humans are usually protected from infected mosquitoes because offices and establishments are usually enclosed and air conditioned. However, there are still workers who are exposed to infected mosquitoes, and therefore their chances of contracting the virus are high. Outdoor workers such as farmers, foresters, landscapers, groundskeepers and gardeners, painters, roofers, pavers, construction w…

As of July 8, 2008, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has received reports of a total of 5 presumptively viremic blood donors (PVDs) through its ArboNET surveillance program through state and local health departments A presumptively viremic blood donor is a person whose blood tested positive when screened for the presence of West Nile virus. PVDs are followed up by the blood agency to verify their infection with additional tests. Some PVDs do go on to develop symptoms after do…

Reuters reports on Thursday that that a new strain of the West Nile Virus is spreading better and earlier across the country. This new strain may thrive on hot American Summers. According to a second team of researchers, a new strain has already completely overtaken the original strain. This new West Nile Virus strain is reportedly better suited to hotter weather. This means that outbreaks may worsen up north.According to Lyle Petersen who helps lead the West Nile surveillance at the CDC, this a…