History of the West Nile Virus

History of West Nile virus West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus. It has been found in humans, birds and other animals, usually in Africa, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. In 1999, WNV was first detected in the United States and since then it has spread throughout the United States. According to the CDC (Disease Control and Prevention Center), more than 15,000 people in the United States have detected WNV positive infection since 1999, of which over 500 have died.

West Nile encephalitis is a brain infection caused by a virus called West Nile virus. This virus was first discovered in Uganda in 1937 and is common in Africa, West Asia and the Middle East. Except for Alaska, all US states reported West Nile virus infection. "Encephalitis" refers to brain inflammation. The most common cause of encephalitis are viral infections and bacterial infections, including viral infections that are transmitted by mosquitoes. West Nile virus infection is also known as West Nile fever or West Nile encephalitis. This virus is an arbovirus (ARrthropod-BOrne's arbo because many insects are arthropods). It is a member of Flavivirus and Flaviviridae. Other flaviviruses that affect humans include yellow fever, dicavirus, dengue. Human and veterinary cases of West Nile Virus are reported electronically to ArboNET by state and local health authorities

West Nile virus is most commonly infected by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are infected by chewing birds carrying viruses. As infected mosquito bites them, people can get West Nile virus. This happens most frequently during the warm seasons of spring, summer, early autumn. You can not get the West Nile virus from other people or your pet. Your doctor will take a physical exam and ask for your symptoms. He or she wants to know if you have recently been stabbed. They can then order blood tests to see if you have a West Nile virus. From time to time your doctor may order spinal checks to check for viruses. This involves collecting liquid samples from the spinal cord and around the brain. If you have severe symptoms, you may be asked for CT scan or MRI to look for inflammation in the brain.