The West Nile Virus has been in the public consciousness for some time now. Many people don’t know what it is or how it can affect them. In this article we will explain what it is and what states have been affected by it.
The virus is one that infects humans and animals and can make them very ill. It is carried by mosquitoes. Symptoms in humans vary from person to person. Many who have it get flu-like symptoms and are able to recover. But about 1 in 150 who contract the virus will have severe complications that can be life threatening if not treated properly.
This summer 36 states have reported humans being infected with the virus. “Mosquito-borne diseases overall are increasing,” CDC spokeswoman Kate Fowley told weather.com. “Of the mosquito-borne diseases, West Nile virus is the most common one in the continental United States.
Overall, only 39 cases have been reported in total. So, it is a very rare occurrence in North America. But, it is something that could grow exponentially and is why we highly recommend taking steps to reduce mosquito populations in your immediate area:
There is no reason to be alarmed at the west nile virus at this point. In fact, Florida has had no human cases reported this year. There have been animal infections however. States with reported cases include Alabama, California, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Texas. Through a combination of preventive measures and proactive behavior we can limit our exposure to the mosquito which carries the disease.