West Nile Virus

During the past 5 years or so, there has been a dramatic increase in concern with insects’ transmission of viruses. Recently, the New York and New Jersey area have both taken steps towards fighting this epidemic including: preparing antibiotics, and providing people with information to help prevent these problems. Of the many insects that are capable of transmitting viruses to humans, mosquitoes are one of the largest local pests. The latest of the mosquito threats is the West Nile Virus. “The West Nile virus (WNV) was first detected in the Western Hemisphere in 1999 and has since rapidly spread across the North American continent into all 48 continental states, seven Canadian provinces, and throughout Mexico. In addition, WNV activity has been detected in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Guadeloupe and El Salvador.” (http://westnilevirus.nbii.gov/) It is transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito (biological name Flavivirus). Not many people get ill from West Nile Virus, but many still end up hospitalized. To treat West Nile after infected, hospital care is necessary. To confirm the contraction of the West Nile Virus a blood sample must be tested.

“Among those with severe illness due to West Nile virus, case-fatality rates range from 3% to 15% and are highest among the elderly. Less than 1% of people who become infected with West Nile virus will develop severe illness -- most people who get infected do not develop any disease at all.” (http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/cases.htm)

Although less than 1% of people who become infected develop severe illness, 20% of all cases the contaminated individual present’s mild symptoms like headache, vomiting, and nausea. Some also experience body aches, swollen lymph glands, and skin rash on the chest, back and stomach. These symptoms may only last for a few days, but even healthy people have become sick for weeks. The symptoms of the severely ill 1% include “high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss and paralysis.” (http://westnilevirus.nbii.gov/human.html) These symptoms can also last several weeks. Any neurological effects that were caused may be permanent.

“Currently, there is no medication that has been shown to effectively treat WNF. Researchers are testing anti-viral medications and immunoglobulin, but so far the results have been neither good nor consistent. They are also working on a vaccine. If a person is severely ill, they may require “supportive care”, with intravenous fluids, ventilating machines, and prevention of secondary infection.” (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5642589/) The people who contract mild cases of the virus with symptoms such as fever and headache usually use only the cure of time to wait out their ailments. The people that have more severe cases in general have to go to the hospital. During their stay, these people need a respirator, airway management, and antibiotics that help prevention from secondary infections such as pneumonia, and urinary tract infection.

The West Nile Virus (WNV) was identified for the first time in U.S. in New York City in 1999. Which obviously makes it a threat to anyone in the area it was first discovered.

In New Jersey, the West Nile infected count has been increasing. “Thirty-four residents of New Jersey, out of a total of 284 who initially met WNV testing criteria, have been