THURSDAY, Aug. 2 HealthDay News)--so far this year, State of 241 cases of West Nile virus, and four related deaths the UNITED STATES experiencing the largest collection in mosquito diseases since 2004, health officials report.
Eighty percent of these infections occurring in three Member States--Texas, Mississippi and Oklahoma--which have seen business earlier than usual. Overall, 42 States has detected a virus, West Nile virus to humans, birds or mosquitoes from 31 July, the Centre for disease prevention and control said Wednesday.
"It's not clear why we see more activity than in recent years," Dr. Marc Fischer, Arboviral Diseases Branch of the Agency's medical Schwartz, said in a news release, CDC. "Irrespective of the reason for the increase, people should be aware of the West Nile virus activity in their area and take action to protect themselves and their families."
Typically, the greatest risk of the infection with West Nile virus occurs from June to September, with cases peaking in mid-August. However, changes in the weather, the number of infected mosquitoes and human behavior can have all the effects when and where outbreaks of the virus, the CDC noted.
The best way to protect against West Nile virus is to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes. CDC officials recommended the following protective measures:
Use insect Repellents when outside. Wear long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk.Install or repair screens on Windows and doors.Use of air conditioning, where possible. Do not leave standing water outside in open containers, such as buckets, flowerpots, and kiddie pools.People infected with West Nile virus can develop a fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash. In more extreme cases, the virus can lead to serious illness, such as neurologic core encephalitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues) or death. People older than 50 and with medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease and organ transplants are at higher risk for serious disease.
Although most people with mild cases of the West Nile virus will recover on their own, the CDC recommends that anyone who develops symptoms of the disease should see their doctor immediately.
--Mary Elizabeth Dallas 
Copyright © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Source: U.S. centres for disease control and prevention, news release, Aug. 1, 2012
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