According to the CDC, 377 human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) have been detected in 38 states in 2024, including St. Louis County. Last week, nearly 1 in 4 St. Louis adults surveyed (23%) heard about WNV cases occurring earlier this year. That’s up from 10% the week prior. Most St. Louisans heard it from TV or radio.
How common is West Nile Virus?
WNV is spread to humans when they are bitten by an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. WNV is the most common mosquito-borne disease in the U.S. It is mostly spread during the summer and fall. In this week’s survey of 583 adults from 5 states, 36% had heard that West Nile cases were earlier this year. Awareness is trending up from 27% the prior week. Adults over 50 heard this claim more than those under 50 (54% vs 30%).
How severe is West Nile Virus infection?
Most people infected with WNV have no symptoms, and those with mild symptoms usually fully recover within a few days to several weeks. However, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness. Symptoms can be as mild as fever, headache, swollen lymph glands, or as severe as neck stiffness, convulsions, or paralysis. So far in 2024, about two-thirds of cases have been serious with neurological effects like brain swelling, and in rare instances, respiratory paralysis.
Last year, in 2023, the virus was linked to 182 deaths in the U.S.
Keeping St. Louisans safe during peak West Nile season
There are no vaccines or medicines that prevent West Nile virus. The best protection is reducing contact with mosquitoes. Remove standing water near your home where mosquitoes like to breed. Wear clothing that covers your skin and use bug spray with DEET to prevent mosquito bites. Please share the resources below to keep St. Louisans informed and protected from West Nile infection.
Click here to view a printable PDF sharing about West Nile virus prevention.
Survey information
This week’s report is based on responses from a panel of 583 adult residents of St. Louis, MO (n = 145), Omaha, NE (n = 87), Texas (n = 90), Baltimore, MD (n = 119) and Colorado (n = 142) surveyed August 31 – September 2, 2024. Explore these data and more at iHeardSTL.
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Have you been hearing about West Nile virus lately? Here’s what to know about West Nile virus, the most common mosquito-borne disease in the U.S.
#iHeardSTL #MosquitoSeason #Mosquito #WestNileVirus #WNV
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