# 7810
The CDC’s DVBID (Division of Vector Borne Infectious Diseases) has updated their West Nile numbers as reported to them through September 24th, and while these numbers continue to climb, they are far below where we were this time last year. The latest summary reads:
As of September 24, 2013, 48 states and the District of Columbia have reported West Nile virus infections in people, birds, or mosquitoes. A total of 1,135 cases of West Nile virus disease in people, including 44 deaths, have been reported to CDC. Of these, 529 (47%) were classified as neuroinvasive disease (such as meningitis or encephalitis) and 606 (53%) were classified as non-neuroinvasive disease.
Mild cases – called West Nile Fever – often go undiagnosed, with probably only 2%-3% being identified, whereas neuroinvasive cases (which present with meningitis, encephalitis, or flaccid Paralysis) are severe enough that they almost always result in hospitalization and diagnosis.
Neuroinvasive cases are considered a better indicator of the scope of each year’s epidemic, and the map below shows the states hardest hit this year by this more severe form of the illness.
As it can take several weeks after a person becomes infected before they are diagnosed and reported to the CDC – and deaths may occur months after infection - the numbers reported as of today are considered `lagging indicators’. Still, this time last year, the numbers were roughly triple what has been reported to date (see 9/25/12 DVBID Update On West Nile Virus).
Texas. which bore the brunt of last year’s WNV activity (1868 cases, 89 deaths) has only reported 66 cases this summer, and 4 fatalities.
Comparatively speaking, we are seeing a milder season, and with October just a week away, the peak season for West Nile Virus is about over.
But infected mosquitoes are still out there, and so the risk of infection has not gone away entirely. A good reason to heed the advice of our local health departments to follow the `5 D’s’ of mosquito protection.
