The West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes, birds and even a human for the first time this summer in the United States.
West Nile virus often presents no symptoms in humans, and many people who contract the disease never know they have it. Roughly 20 percent of people who are exposed to the virus develop a fever and other symptoms. The disease can become serious in one percent of the cases, and senior citizens are most at risk for serious complications from the virus. The disease can be fatal in some cases.
"The infected mosquitoes were collected from the Douglaston and College Point neighborhoods in Queens and Old Town from Staten Island. No human cases have been reported [in the state] this season," the New York City Department of Health reported to the press.
Officials in the Big Apple are attempting to fight the disease by trying to kill larvae of the mosquitoes that carry the disease. The city is using larvacide in marshlands, basins, and anywhere standing water may provide a breeding ground for the insects.
Mosquitoes are, far and away, the most dangerous animals on Earth. Our own species comes in second, and the Asian Cobra, is the next-most dangerous species on the planet.
Symptoms of West Nile virus include fever, headache, bodyaches, and other flu-like conditions. Those who recover from the disease can suffer through months of fatigue and weakness.
"No vaccine or specific antiviral treatments for West Nile virus infection are available... In severe cases, patients often need to be hospitalized to receive supportive treatment, such as intravenous fluids, pain medication, and nursing care" the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) wrote on their Web site.
A dead crow found in Eau Claire County, Wis., tested positive for West Nile virus, the first bird to be found with the virus.
"The West Nile virus seems to be here to stay, so the best way to avoid the disease is to reduce exposure to and eliminate breeding grounds for mosquitoes," Lieske Giese, health officer for the Eau Claire City-County Health Department, warned the public.
A health district in Nebraska representing five counties has reported the season's first human case of West Nile virus. The case is being described as moderate, but not severe.
Those people concerned with not contracting the virus can avoid going outside near dawn and dusk, when the flying insects are most prevalent. Insect repellant can reduce the number of mosquitoes on skin and clothing. Water in birdbaths and outdoor pet dishes should also be changed at least once every three days, to reduce stagnant water.
