Jun
6
Rates of Westnile Virus Cases Going Down
2008 is seeing a decline in the number of Westnile virus cases both in humans and in animals. There were reportedly only six cases of human infection in four states namely: Arizona, Texas, Mississippi and Tennessee. There are also reportedly lower cases of animal and mosquito infections for this year, and they only occurred in five states, namely: Alabama, California, Florida, South Carolina, and Texas.
Compared to the previous years, the decline is fairly significant. In 2007, there were more or less than 3,630 cases of human infection in the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Cases vary from Westnile neuroinvasive disease, Westnile fever and other WNV-related illnesses, including asymptomatic donors. There were 124 fatalities.
There were also several cases of animal and mosquito infections reported in nearly every state: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
There were even more cases of human infection in 2006. Statistics say that around 4,269 people were infected and of that number, 177 died. The states wherein there were reported cases of human infections include: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Naturally, there were also several cases of animal and mosquito infections in these states.
However, it is till too soon to tell, since 2008 is not yet over. However, Health institutions are giving constant reminders and ways on how to avoid or prevent ourselves from getting infected with the virus. Most of them offer guidelines and materials to help individuals and communities, as well as clinicians and medical practitioners, that are to be used to raise awareness and prevent the virus from spreading. There are WNV info cards that are distributed to the general public which covers WVN related diseases and also include guidelines which focus on ways for avoiding mosquito bites. PSA’s (public service announcements) and slide presentations are being shown also to raise the public’s awareness. Self-study courses are also being offered.
It has been seen that the WVN "period" mostly happens in summer. During this season, it is best to be practical. Wear appropriate clothing that will lessen the possibility of being bitten by mosquitoes. Use screens to prevent mosquitoes from getting into the house, but still allow fresh air to enter. Empty containers filled with water as these can serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Lastly, use insect repellents to lessen the number of mosquitoes within your home.