Odds of getting west nile virus 2012

The outbreak peaked during week 33 mid-August with reported cases, which is historically the same peak for all reported WNV cases in Texas during — 2. The median time from date of symptom onset to date of official report to TxDSHS was 27 days range 6— days. Median age of all case-patients was 54 years range 1 month— years.

As each age category increased, the attack rates also increased Table. The median age of the 89 case-patients who died was 79 years range 25— years. Figure 2. Numbers in parentheses indicate the number of counties that fell within each range. The overall incidence rate for the state was 7. These 4 counties had a combined incidence rate of 16 cases per , population.

The WNV outbreak in Texas was unexpected in terms of the magnitude of virus transmission and number of human cases. We recently observed a 3-year pattern of increases in reported human cases in Texas, as seen in , , and 2.

In , the dramatic epidemic was consistent with this prior observation, with the 1, reported cases being more than double the historic high, which occurred in cases. In addition to the dramatic increase in human cases in , the state also reported an increase in equine cases cases in compared with 6 cases in The exact factors that contributed to this epidemic are unknown and most likely complex, considering that successful transmission depends on supportive environmental conditions, vector abundance, avian reservoir and susceptible host abundance, pathogenicity of the virus, and sizeable populations of immunologically naive reservoir species.

During , there was some media speculation that more cases of severe disease occurred in younger persons and that the circulating strain of virus possibly was more pathogenic than in prior years. Compared with Texas data for —, we did not find any statistically significant differences in median ages of reported WNND or fatal cases in using the Kruskal-Wallis 1-way analysis of variance on ranks.

Our findings from remain consistent with our experience from prior years; however, it remains critical to emphasize the importance of recognizing disease and testing persons of any age who have clinical signs and symptoms consistent with WNV infection. The WNV outbreak in Texas greatly affected the state economically.

On the basis of the acute medical care and productivity loss cost estimates provided by Barber et al. In addition to these acute costs, the outbreak also required an increase in resources for mosquito control and public health efforts to respond to the epidemic.

The long-term economic impact of this outbreak also is expected to be substantial as a consequence of long-term rehabilitation and disability costs 8 , possible risk for chronic kidney disease 9 , and risk for premature death in severe cases The unprecedented outbreak confirms the need for continued vigilance for surveillance to enable timely implementation of control measures to prevent virus transmission.

We expect Texas will continue to experience endemic levels of virus transmission with periodic epizootics.

Considering the economic and physical costs to persons severely affected, development of an effective vaccine is urgently needed to prevent disease. Until a vaccine becomes available, public health authorities will need to maintain their focus on surveillance, disease recognition, implementation of control measures, and public education about protective measures.

Her research focuses on vector-borne and zoonotic diseases. We thank Jim Schuermann, Nate Wolfe, and Alexandra Ingber for their assistance with data collection and preparation of this manuscript. Table of Contents — Volume 19, Number 11—November Not all dead crows need to be tested for West Nile virus.

If the bird is not going to be collected, you may dispose of it. Wear thick gloves, double bag the bird, and place it in the trash. Barehanded contact with dead animals should always be avoided. Pets occasionally get West Nile virus from mosquito bites, but very seldom get sick. Horses are more susceptible to serious illness from WNV than are dogs and cats.

Natural infection of a pet by contacting or eating an infected dead bird has not been definitively established, although it is safer to keep pets from contacting and eating dead animals.

To reduce the mosquito population around your home and property, reduce or eliminate all standing water:. The New York State Department of Health, along with other state agencies, local health departments, colleges and environmental groups, has prepared a plan to address issues related to West Nile virus in the Empire State and has devised a preventive strategy to minimize the impact. Local communities are implementing various control measures based on geographic location and level of risk.

Navigation menu. What is West Nile Virus? What are the symptoms of West Nile Virus? Who is at risk for getting West Nile Virus? How is West Nile Virus transmitted?

Do all mosquitoes transmit disease? Where do mosquitoes live and breed? When are mosquitoes most active? Which birds can carry West Nile Virus? Can my pet be infected? How can I protect myself and my family? To reduce the mosquito population around your home and property, reduce or eliminate all standing water: Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers. Dispose of used tires. Used tires are a significant mosquito breeding site. Call your local landfill or Department of Public Works to find out how to dispose of them properly.

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