West Nile virus was first isolated in Uganda in 1937. Today it is most often found in Africa, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and West Asia. In 1999, the virus appeared in North America for the first time, and the following year the virus was reported in 12 states along the East coast. In the two years since West Nile virus was first reported in the United States, it has killed eight people and sickened 80 others.
West Nile virus is a member of the flavivirus group, viruses spread by insects and known to cause disease in humans and animals. In the United States, birds appear to be the major carrier of the disease. When certain mosquito species feed on the blood of infected birds, the insects ingest the virus. When these mosquitoes bite people, they can pass the virus into humans.
Most people infected with West Nile virus have only mild illness. In the worst cases, however, the virus causes encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain. No specific medication exists to treat West Nile virus infection, and no vaccine is available to prevent it. - Courtesy of the NIAID (The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)
West Nile Virus National and State Maps 2003-2007
A series of maps, issued by the U.S. Geological Survey, which show the instances of West Nile Virus throughout the United States for the 2003-2007 reporting season.
Fight the Bite!
The Centers for Disease Control's Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases comprehensive website on the West Nile Virus. Information is offered for the general public, as well as for clinicians, laboratorians, and the press.
FDA West Nile Virus site
The Food and Drug Administration's West Nile Virus site, with links to a wide variety of artilces and reports on WNV.
The National Pesticide Information Center
The NPIC's West Nile Virus Resource Guide Homepage, including general information on the virus, mosquito control options, a West Nile Virus & Mosquito Control Products flyer, and links to pesticide related topics.
