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Wed Aug 15, 2012
- The mayor of Dallas declared a state of emergency in the ninth largest U.S. city on Wednesday to combat the spread of West Nile virus infections, which have been more prevalent than usual in Texas and other states this
year. (Reuters)
Wed Aug 22, 2012 - The number of West Nile virus infections in the United States has jumped more than 60 percent in the past week in what federal officials say is one of the country's biggest-ever outbreaks of the
disease. (Reuters)
Aug. 23, 2012 - Karen Roos, M.D., John and Nancy Nelson Professor of Neurology and professor of neurological surgery at the Indiana University School of Medicine, called this year's outbreak of West Nile virus "scary." The outbreak is the worst since the first case was identified in 1999.
Photo courtesy of the NGS
West Nile virus has been found in 30 states, and 800 people have been reported infected, including 26 who died from complications.
There is no cure, but early treatment can help prevent long-term damage.
The virus has symptoms similar to the flu. Roos says that if you have a fever and headache, call your doctor. If you have a fever, headache and stiff neck or are confused, go directly to the emergency room. The virus is only deadly if it attacks the brain or nervous system, and physicians have treatments that minimize swelling and permanent disability.
The best way to avoid contracting West Nile virus is to not be bitten by infected
mosquitos. Since avoiding mosquitos in many places is virtually impossible, Roos advises people to limit their time outdoors at dusk and dawn, when the bugs are most active. Wear pants and long-sleeved shirts when possible outdoors and use an insect repellent, particularly ones that contain
DEET. Make sure to check the expiration date of the repellent if it has been on your shelf for a long time.
For more information
Indiana University
See also
Antibodies are not required for immunity against some viruses (23/03/2012)
Common bacterium stops mosquitoes from transmitting Dengue virus (06/09/2011)
Researchers create new experimental vaccine against chikungunya virus (22/08/2011)
Asian Tiger Mosquitoes breed Indoors (30/09/2010)
ARS Study Provides a Better Understanding of How Mosquitoes Find a Host (11/07/2010)
(MDN)
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