Update 2: The West Nile Virus Isn't Going Anywhere

By Michael Todd
14:47, August 21st 2008

In response to the West Nile virus infections signaled across the country, the authorities decided on taking immediate action in several areas, by addressing the population with details on the risks presented by the disease, ways to avoid it and also fogging sessions meant to kill or scare off the dangerous virus-infected mosquitoes.

Such actions were taken by the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District in the Palm Desert area and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are planning similar activities in other Californian areas, as the human cases of the West Nile virus reached 55 in the region.

Another state dealing with the issue is Illinois, with more than 100 patients registered last year, out of which four died.

The test results serve as an indicator of how hard the virus is hitting the state, said Susanne Kluh, scientific and technical services director for the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District.

A recent report coming from the Burlington County Health Department announced that two infected birds have been detected and a public warning has already been sent throughout the state.

The authorities are trying to raise the awareness on the matter, requesting people to be on the lookout for mosquitoes, avoid the hours when mosquitoes are the most active, wear protective clothing and insect repellant, in order to make sure that they avoid an extremely unpleasant and potentially fatal situation.

Lea Brooks, spokeswoman for the State Department of Public Health, released an update on the latest tests made on mosquito populations, announcing that the numbers of infected insects are slowly increasing, with 195 infected mosquitoes out of 2,115 samples. Three years ago, out of the same number of samples, there were only 151 insects infected. Still, there have been fewer cases this year compared to 2007, which means that people are better informed and are also acting as advised.

Looking back at the disease’s evolution over the past few years, the authorities are confident that the cooler autumn temperatures will significantly slow down the spread of the virus, but their efforts will continue at the same pace.

The virus is transmitted through the bite of mosquitoes which pick the infection from birds. There are several symptoms, ranging from a asymptomatic infection, to a mild febrile state and even a neuroinvasive disease called West Nile meningitis or encephalitis. The febrile state includes besides fever, a series of unpleasant conditions such as headaches, chills, weakness, excessive sweating, drowsiness and swollen lymph nodes. The meningitis is known for significantly decreasing the level of consciousness and the recovery demands a lot of time and it is marked by fatigue.