What is the West Nile virus, and in which US states have cases been reported in 2024?

West Nile Virus is a mosquito-born illness that circulates in the summer months in the United States when the mosquito population grows. While the majority of those who become infected, 8 of 10, do not show symptoms, for those who do, the disease can cause lifelong neurological damage and, in some cases, is fatal.

Since the disease is so dangerous, state, local, and federal governments work to reduce the risk of an outbreak taking hold and track cases when they appear. So far this year, thirty-eight states have reported 377 cases, with 255 of those cases classified as “neuroinvasive.”

Humans are ‘dead-end’ hosts when it comes to transmission of the virus, meaning that if an infected human is bitten, a mosquito that bites them cannot transmit the disease.

What states have reported cases?

So far, the states to report the greatest number of cases are California, Mississippi, Nebraska, and Texas.

The other states include Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Connecticut, Washington DC, Deleware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas,m Lousiana, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennesee, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin. The most up-to-date information on the number of cases can be found on the CDC’s website.

What are the symptoms of West Nile Virus?

Though the majority of cases are asymptomatic, there are symptoms that people should be aware of during the peak of West Nile season. The list provided by the symptoms includes headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash. As the disease progresses some infected may begin to experience more severe symptoms like neck stiffness, tremors, and convulsions. Speak with your doctor or contact local health department officials if you feel that you are experiencing these symptoms and have been bitten by a mosquito.