West Nile virus detected in 18 states as mosquito season arrives

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed that in at least 18 states, the West Nile virus has been detected, as experts warn the virus appears to be circulating more than usual for this time of summer.

As of June 25, the CDC has confirmed human cases of the virus in at least seven states, including Arizona, Arkansas, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, and Tennessee.

In the other 11 states, the virus was detected in mosquitoes, birds, or other animals.

Five of the human infections resulted in severe disease and were considered neuroinvasive, which means there could have been inflammation of the brain or the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

This type of infection can result in vision loss, disorientation, paralysis, or even coma. In rare cases, a neuroinvasive infection can be fatal.

There is no treatment or vaccine for West Nile. Those who contract the virus receive support through fluids and pain medication.

But while there is no cure, the virus often goes unnoticed, as around 8 in 10 don’t show symptoms after being infected.

However, those who do show symptoms often experience fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. The CDC shared that these symptoms are often confused for other diseases, meaning West Nile usually goes undiagnosed.

Kate Fowlie, a press officer for the CDC, shared more on the recent influx of cases, which is early for this time of year. Typically, the US sees several hundred to several thousand cases reported each year, but most are reported in August and September .

“We are seeing West Nile virus (WNV) activity a little earlier this year, so it’s really important that everyone take steps to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites,” Fowlie said in a statement. “WNV tends to be unpredictable and varies from year to year, so we don’t know specifically how this year will be compared to others.”