West Nile Virus Cases Reported Across the US: Health Officials Urge Vigilance

 "West Nile Virus: Cases and Positive Samples Reported Nationwide, Health Authorities Stress Vigilance"

Health authorities across the country are receiving reports of cases and positive samples of the West Nile virus. In Iowa, the Department of Health and Human Services announced on Friday that they have identified the first case of West Nile virus infection this year in an older adult, aged 61-80, from Plymouth County. The case was confirmed through testing at the State Hygienic Lab.

The department stated that the warm summer weather in Iowa is leading to increased outdoor activities, which raises the risk of mosquito bites. Mosquito bites from infected mosquitoes are the primary method of human infection with the virus. In early June, the Department of Health and Human Services in Nebraska reported their first human case in the Three Rivers Public Health District, with the individual not requiring hospitalization.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of June 13, there have been 13 cases reported across the United States this year. These cases were reported in Oregon, Arizona, Wyoming, Nebraska, Illinois, Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania, with four cases in Arizona.

The CDC recorded over 1,125 human disease cases in 2022. In Texas, the Harris County Public Health Mosquito Vector Control Division confirmed the presence of the virus in a mosquito sample from the 77005 ZIP code area. In response, the division initiated evening spray operations in the affected area and surrounding regions.

The Southern Nevada Health District reported the identification of the first virus-positive mosquitoes of the season in the 89074 ZIP code of Clark County. The analysis was carried out by the Southern Nevada Public Health Laboratory, which has tested over 7,000 mosquitoes this year. So far, no human cases have been reported in the county, and there has been minimal activity over the past three years. However, in 2019, there was a significant outbreak, including one death.

Health officials emphasize the need for caution as there are no vaccines or specific medications to prevent or treat the West Nile virus in humans. Most people infected with the virus do not experience symptoms, but around 20% develop fever and other symptoms, and approximately 1 in 150 infected individuals develop a severe and potentially fatal illness.