1. BY CINDY RAMEY West Nile Virus

2. West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic arbovirus Family: Flaviviridae Genus: Flavivirus Japanese Encephalitis Antigenic Complex Size: 40-60nm Incubation period: ranges from three to 14 days

3. West Nile Virus West Nile Virus was first isolated in the West Nile district of Uganda in 1937 It first appeared in North America in 1999 The virus first was reported in Oregon in 1999 When it re-surfaced three years ago in 2009, a total of 12 cases were reported

4. Transmission of West Nile Virus Most West Nile virus infections occur during warm weather, when mosquito populations are active Infectious mosquitoes carry virus particles in their salivary glands and infect susceptible bird species during blood-meal feeding The bite of an infected mosquito infects human hosts

5. Transmission of West Nile Virus Cont.

6. Risk Factors Age. Adults over the age of 50 are at higher risk of infection. Health. Those who have a weakened immune system, such as from receiving an organ transplant, are at greater risk of infection.

7. Signs and Symptoms Most people who are infected with West Nile Virus show no signs or symptoms Some develop a life-threatening illness that includes inflammation of the brain (encephalitits) Mild signs and symptoms of a West Nile virus infection generally go away on their own But severe signs and symptoms — such as a severe headache, disorientation or sudden weakness — require immediate attention

8. Mild Signs and Symptoms Include Fever Headache Body aches Fatigue Skin rash (occasionally) Swollen lymph glands (occasionally) Eye pain (occasionally)

9. Severe Signs and Symptoms Include High fever Severe headache Stiff neck Disorientation or confusion Stupor or coma Tremors or muscle jerking Lack of coordination Convulsions Pain Partial paralysis or sudden weakness

10. Prevention of West Nile Virus Avoid areas where West Nile Virus is common Use mosquito repellent Wear clothing that covers your skin Avoid areas of stagnant water

11. Interesting Factoids West Nile virus has been detected in dead birds of at least 326 species

12. Diagnosis of West Nile Virus Laboratory tests If you are infected, a blood test may show a rising level of antibodies to the West Nile virus A positive ribonucleic acid (RNA) test for the West Nile virus also is an indicator that you have the virus

13. Diagnosis of West Nile Virus Cont. Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) The most common way to diagnose West Nile Virus is to analyze the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord A needle inserted between the lower vertebrae of your spine is used to extract a sample of fluid for laboratory analysis Brain tests In some cases, an electroencephalography (EEG) or an MRI scan can help detect brain inflammation

14. Treatment of West Nile Virus Supportive therapy Most people recover from West Nile virus without treatment Over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease mild headaches and muscle pain Supportive therapy in a hospital with intravenous fluids and medicines may prevent other types of infections

15. Treatment of West Nile Virus Cont. Interferon therapy An experimental type of immune cell therapy as a treatment for encephalitis caused by West Nile virus Some research shows that people who receive interferon may recover better than those who don't receive the drug, but more study is needed

16. West Nile Virus Case Study October 23, 2012 As of October 23, 2012, 48 states have reported West Nile virus infections in people, birds, or mosquitoes  4,725 cases  219 deaths  2,413 (51%) were classified as neuroinvasive disease (such as meningitis or encephalitis)  2,312 (49%) were classified as non-neuroinvasive disease

17. West Nile Virus Case Study October 23, 2012 Almost 70 percent of the cases have been reported from eight states  Texas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Illinois, South Dakota, Michigan, and Oklahoma Over a third of all cases have been reported from Texas.

18. Cases of West Nile Virus in Oregon According to the CDC Oregon has had a mere 3 cases of West Nile Virus in 2012. None of these documented cases were neuroinvasive and no deaths have been reported. However, that is an increase from 2011 where no cases were reported. Other states have not been so fortunate. Although the cases in Oregon are minimal compared to those in other states, West Nile Virus is still very much a concern and precautions should always be taken to prevent infection.

19. Importance of Studying West Nile Virus West Nile Virus has become more common since the spread of the disease to the United States in 1999. The recent epidemic is proof that the disease is very real and can be life threatening. Understanding the disease, how to prevent it, and what signs and symptoms to look for will make sure that you do not become a statistic of this serious virus.

20. Websites http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/west-nile- virus/DS00438 http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/west-nile- virus/DS00438 http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/cycle.ht m http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/cycle.ht m http://abcnews.go.com/Health/west-nile-virus- doctors-fight-largest-outbreak- us/story?id=17254382#.UI8mZ2dNKSo http://abcnews.go.com/Health/west-nile-virus- doctors-fight-largest-outbreak- us/story?id=17254382#.UI8mZ2dNKSo http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Nile_virus