What is there to Know about WNV and WNE

What is there to Know about WNV and WNE?

West Nile Virus (WNV) is an arbovirus that causes West Nile Encephalitis (WNE), an inflammation of the brain. The virus was first found in an Ugandan woman, and spread throughout all areas of the world, from Europe to Oceania. WNV is virus carried by mosquitoes and birds. Other organisms are the secondary carriers of the virus. The first outbreak resulted in victims of WNE. Since then the U.S has been alert and cautious about the virus for public health. The virus is known to affect animals as well. Up to now there is no special treatment or vaccine for WNV and its symptoms. However, there are ways to preclude you from getting the virus. Though the chances of getting WNV and a fatal case are slim, the symptoms aren’t worth risking.

West Nile Encephalitis is a brain inflammation that is caused by mosquitoes. WNE is new to the U.S.A and broke out less than a decade ago in one of the states. So far there aren’t any vaccines for WNV, but there are methods of prevention. Up to this day, WNE isn’t common; however, it is a brutal enemy to those who are infected.

The first outbreak of WNE was in New York City in 1999. Four deaths occurred in 1999 due to WNE (Illinois Department of Public Health). Studies show that there was less involvement with their cortex, thalamus, and cerebellum. Their microglial modules that carried histiocytes and lymphocytes were dispersed and they also developed leptomeningitis. Two years later, in the autumn of 2001, the infection spread to Iowa and Missouri. There were 54 infected people in Illinois and a death in 2003 (Illinois Department of Public Health). By now, WNE has spread to the West Coast. Researchers aren’t sure how WNV or WNE was introduced to the U.S.A....

... middle of paper ...

...tious of areas that are reported to have infected mosquitoes. If anyone is going outside during the times of day or the places where they are prone to get infected, being cautious and careful can prevent a severe case of WNE.

What Is There 5

References

1) Burke, A Cunha, MD. (2004, Dec). West Nile Encephalitis. eMedicine. 7/27/05: http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic3160.htm

2) Dr. Tom Solomon. (2005, June). West Nile Encephalitis. Encephalitis Information Resource. 7/27/05: http://www.encephalitis.info/TheIllness/TypesEncephalitis/WestNile.html

3) Lee, M.C. 2003. West Nile Virus overview and abstracts. New York: NOVA

4) Illinois Department of Public Health. West Nile Virus. 7/27/05: http://www.idph.state.il.us/public/hb/hbwestnile.htm

5) White, Dennis J. et all. 2001. West Nile Virus Detection, Surveillance, and Control. New York: New York Academy of Sciences.