Every August, West Nile season ramps up, primarily in parts of the Southern and Western United States.
The Conversation U.S. asked neurologist and medical epidemiologist Daniel Pastula to explain what researchers know about West Nile and how to protect yourself from contracting the disease.
What is West Nile virus?
West Nile is a virus that was first identified in the West Nile region of Uganda in 1937 and subsequently caused outbreaks throughout Africa, the Mediterranean region and parts of Europe.
It arrived in the New York City area in late 1999, probably from an infected bird or mosquito. The virus has since spread and become endemic throughout the continental United States and other parts of North America.
How is West Nile virus transmitted?
West Nile virus is primarily transmitted to humans by mosquito bites. West Nile virus exists in a transmission cycle between various birds such as crows, robins and blue jays and primarily several Culex species of mosquitoes, which are very common across the U.S.
The mosquitoes become infected by feeding on infected birds with high levels of virus. Then the infected mosquitoes pass the virus to other birds by feeding on them.
Sometimes, an infected mosquito will bite a human, horse or other mammal, transmitting the virus to them. However, these animals do not develop a high enough viral level in their blood to keep the cycle going. In other words, they are “dead-end” hosts.
Every August, West Nile season ramps up, primarily in parts of the Southern and Western United States.
The Conversation U.S. asked neurologist and medical epidemiologist Daniel Pastula to explain what researchers know about West Nile and how to protect yourself from contracting the disease.
What is West Nile virus?
West Nile is a virus that was first identified in the West Nile region of Uganda in 1937 and subsequently caused outbreaks throughout Africa, the Mediterranean region and parts of Europe.