What you need to know about West Nile virus
The mosquito-borne illness has sickened hundreds of people this year
West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne illness, has affected hundreds of people in the United States this year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 222 human cases across 32 states, with the highest numbers in Arizona, Texas, and California. Most infections are asymptomatic or cause mild symptoms like flulike illnesses. However, in rare cases, the virus can lead to severe brain swelling or encephalitis.
New York City reported its first human case this week, though the infected individual may have contracted the virus outside the city. West Nile virus has been found in mosquitoes across all five boroughs of New York City this summer, which is common during the summer and fall months.
The most common carriers of the virus are Culex mosquitoes, which live throughout the country and thrive in populated areas. To prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of infection, health experts recommend using insect repellent with active ingredients like DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or picaridin. Insect repellents should be applied after sunscreen if both are being used.
Protective measures include wearing long sleeves and pants, using mosquito nets, and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes can lay their eggs. Air conditioning, screens on windows and doors, and reducing outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours can also help lower the risk of West Nile virus transmission.
Written by urgent.news from Scientific American's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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