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Accurate data on West Nile virus (WNV) cases help guide public health education and control activities, and impact regional WNV blood product screening procedures. During an outbreak of WNV disease in Arizona, records from patients with meningitis or encephalitis were reviewed to determine the proportion tested for WNV. Of 60 patients identified with meningitis or encephalitis, 24 (40%) were tested for WNV. Only 12 (28%) of 43 patients aged <50 years were tested for WNV compared to 12 (71%) of 17 patients aged ≥50 years (P<0·01). Patients with clinical signs of weakness or paralysis, elevated CSF protein, admitted to an inpatient facility, or discharged to a rehabilitation facility were also more likely to have WNV testing performed. The lack of testing in younger age groups and in those with less severe disease probably resulted in substantial underestimates of WNV neuroinvasive disease burden.

The article presents a report on West Nile virus (WNV) activity in the U.S. as reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2009. 720 cases of WNV disease were reported from a total of 38 states and the District of Columbia. It lists the five states with the highest incidence of WNV neuroinvasive disease including Mississippi and South Dakota. A figure that shows the annual incidence of cases of WNV neuroinvasive disease in the country from 1999 to 2009 is presented.

The article summarizes provisional West Nile virus (WNV) surveillance data for 2006 reported to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. In 2006, WNV transmission to humans or animals expanded into 52 counties that had not previously reported transmission. There were 1,491 cases of WNV neuroinvasive disease reported in the U.S. during the period. A total of 4,106 dead WNV-infected birds were reported from 701 counties in 43 states during 2006.

The article presents an update on the detection, transmission and control of the West Nile virus (WNV) in the U.S. as of December 2005. The number of cases of WNV disease in humans reportedly increased in the U.S. Statistical data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding WNV human infection are presented. Surveillance data on WNV-infected animals are provided.

The article presents an update on West Nile virus activity (WNV) in the U.S. reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2009. It is noted that 720 cases of WNV disease have been reported in 38 states and the District of Columbia (DC). There have been 298 reported veterinary cases of the disease, affecting equine, squirrels, and canine. The species of mosquitoes considered as the principal vectors of the disease include Culex pipiens. A CDC editorial note on the WNV disease is also presented.

The article provides an overview of West Nile Virus (WNV). Although first identified in 1937 in Africa, the article states, the first detection of WNV in the western hemisphere occurred in New York City in 1999. Topics of discussion include seasonal epidemics in the U.S. of febrile illness and neurologic disease, cases of WNV neuroinvasive disease (WNND), and mosquito control. Also discussed are personal protection from mosquito bites, research into prevention strategies, and WNV surveillance data for 2007.

The article discusses West Nile Virus (WNV), which is a cause of arboviral encephalitis in the United States. WNV activity during January 1-December 1, 2005 included WNV neuroinvasive disease (WNND). Demographic data indicates there were outbreaks of WWND and WNV disease in California, Illinois, Texas, Louisiana, South Dakota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and the New York City metropolitan area. The CDC editorial note focuses on the endemic transmission of WNV in people and animals, as well as the effectiveness of the ArboNET surveillance system in detecting increased transmission of the virus.