West Nile virus is in the continental U.S., with per year.
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 to explain what researchers know about West Nile and how to protect yourself from contracting the disease. What is West Nile virus? is a virus that was in the West Nile region of Uganda in 1937 and subsequently caused outbreaks throughout Africa, the Mediterranean region and parts of Europe. It , 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 . West Nile virus between various birds such as crows, robins and blue jays and primarily , which are very common across the U.
S. The mosquitoes become infected by feeding on infected birds with high levels of virus. Then the 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.
Rarely, West Nile virus is , including through accidental laboratory exposures, blood transfusion or organ transplantation. Very rarely, it may be transmitted during pregnancy, delivery or .