As of September 4, 48 states have reported West Nile virus infections in people, birds, or mosquitoes. A total of 1,993 cases of West Nile virus disease in people, including 87 deaths, have been reported to CDC.

 

By Robin Jovanovich

 

As of September 4, 48 states have reported West Nile virus infections in people, birds, or mosquitoes. A total of 1,993 cases of West Nile virus disease in people, including 87 deaths, have been reported to CDC.

 

The 1,993 cases thus far in 2012 is the highest number of West Nile virus disease cases, through August, since West Nile virus was first detected in the United States in 1999. Over 70 percent of the cases have been reported from six states (Texas, South Dakota, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Michigan) and almost 45 percent of all cases have been reported from Texas.

 

Westchester County has not seen the same increase in activity as elsewhere in the country. “Despite a surge in West Nile Virus activity nationwide”, said Rick Morrissey, deputy commissioner for environmental health on August 28, “so far mosquito activity in Westchester is on par with last year.’’

 

The County tests for West Nile virus by laying out traps. As of July 19, 17 batches were found with traces of West Nile Virus, and one confirmed case of human infection in New Rochelle. For all of last year, 32 positive mosquito batches were found and three human cases of West Nile Virus were reported. Of this year’s batches, nine were found positive in Mamaroneck, five in Rye, two in Rye Brook, and one in Yonkers.