Early, intense West Nile season may signal a severe year for the mosquito-borne illness, CDC says
CNN • • health
Key Points:
- West Nile virus season in the U.S. has started earlier than usual this year, with 48 cases reported by June 30, including 38 neuroinvasive cases, signaling a potentially severe outbreak similar to 2004.
- The virus poses a higher risk to adults over 60, with severe complications such as brain and spinal cord swelling; experts urge immediate mosquito bite prevention efforts amid rising activity in 23 states.
- Maricopa County, Arizona, is the hardest-hit area with 29 cases and four deaths, more than doubling cases compared to the previous year, prompting strong warnings for residents to take precautions seriously.
- There are currently no specific treatments or approved vaccines for West Nile virus in humans, making prevention through protective clothing, insect repellent, and mosquito control programs critical.
- Experts call for increased federal funding to support local mosquito control initiatives and accelerate vaccine development to reduce the disease's impact.
