West Nile Virus is back – let our experts explain what you need to know

It’s that time of year again – the mosquitos are out, and people need to be aware that there could be more behind that bite than just itching.

West Nile virus (WNV), is here to stay and is now the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in America.  Once known as a tropical disease, WNV has now spread itself in all directions and knows no borders. In northern states like New York, it’s now a regular occurrence.

“The New York State Department of Health monitors the mosquito population every year between the months of June and October. In 2018, they reported 1,496 mosquito pools tested positive for West Nile Virus. There were 87 confirmed human cases and 20 equine cases. In 2017, DOH says 1215 West Nile positive pools were reported with 51 human cases and 20 equine cases." June 08 – NBC News NYC 

The reports suggest mosquito-borne illnesses are on the rise and experts believe that trend will continue.

“When West Nile Virus was first introduced into the U.S., the transmission season was relatively short, because it first showed up in a relatively northern location like New York City," says Dawn Wesson with Tulane’s School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.

Since its distribution has expanded to the South and West, the duration of the transmission season has become relatively stable. As well, climate change could affect the transmission cycles of both West Nile and Chagas in coming years, allowing Chagas to move further north, and allowing the West Nile virus transmission season to gradually lengthen.”

In fact, all of America should now be aware and practice simple prevention methods like wearing long sleeves, bug repellent and removing standing water.

Are you covering – do you need to know more about WNV, how it spreads, the symptoms, treatment and risks?

That’s where the experts from Tulane can help.  

Dawn Wesson is a national expert in vector-borne diseases spread by mosquitoes and is available to speak with media regarding West Nile Virus or other similar diseases. Simply click on her icon or email kbrannon@tulane.edu to arrange an interview.