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West Nile Virus

During the past 5 years or so, there has been a dramatic increase in concern with insects' transmission of viruses.   Recently, the New York and New Jersey area have both taken steps towards fighting this epidemic including: preparing antibiotics, and providing people with information to help prevent these problems.   Of the many insects that are capable of transmitting viruses to humans, mosquitoes are one of the largest local pests.   The latest of the mosquito threats is the West Nile Virus.   "The West Nile virus (WNV) was first detected in the Western Hemisphere in 1999 and has since rapidly spread across the North American continent into all 48 continental states, seven Canadian provinces, and throughout Mexico. In addition, WNV activity has been detected in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Guadeloupe and El Salvador." (http://westnilevirus.nbii.gov/)   It is transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito (biological name Flavivirus). Not many people get ill from West Nile Virus, but many still end up hospitalized. To treat West Nile after infected, hospital care is necessary. To confirm the contraction of the West Nile Virus a blood sample must be tested.  
"Among those with severe illness due to West Nile virus, case-fatality rates range from 3% to 15% and are highest among the elderly. Less than 1% of people who become infected with West Nile virus will develop severe illness -- most people who get infected do not develop any disease at all." (http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/cases.htm)
Although less than 1% of people who become infected develop severe illness, 20% of all cases the contaminated individual present's mild symptoms like headache, vomiting, and nausea. Some also experience body aches, swollen lymph glands, and skin rash on the chest, back and stomach. These symptoms may only last for a few days, but even healthy people have become sick for weeks. The symptoms of the severely ill 1% include...