Despite low numbers of reported cases in Wyoming over the last few years, a Wyoming Department of Health representative is reminding residents to protect themselves from West Nile virus as warmer weather arrives across the state.
“West Nile virus activity in any given year is tough to predict,” said Emily Thorp, surveillance epidemiologist with the Wyoming Department of Health. “We don’t want people to think the low case numbers we’ve seen recently means this disease is definitely gone forever.”
Three human West Nile virus (WNV) infection cases were reported in Wyoming last year. There were 6 human cases and no deaths in 2010; 12 human cases with 1 death in 2009; 10 human cases with no deaths in 2008; and 185 human cases with 2 deaths in 2007. The year of highest WNV activity in Wyoming was 2003 with 393 human cases and nine deaths. The state has seen human cases of WNV reported as early as May and as late as October with late summer and early fall as the typical peak times.
West Nile virus (WNV) can cause potentially serious illness in humans. Because mosquitoes spread the virus by feeding on infected birds and then biting people, other birds and animals, preventing mosquito breeding and avoiding bites are the primary prevention strategies.
“West Nile virus activity in any given year is tough to predict,” said Emily Thorp, surveillance epidemiologist with the Wyoming Department of Health. “We don’t want people to think the low case numbers we’ve seen recently means this disease is definitely gone forever.”
Three human West Nile virus (WNV) infection cases were reported in Wyoming last year. There were 6 human cases and no deaths in 2010; 12 human cases with 1 death in 2009; 10 human cases with no deaths in 2008; and 185 human cases with 2 deaths in 2007. The year of highest WNV activity in Wyoming was 2003 with 393 human cases and nine deaths. The state has seen human cases of WNV reported as early as May and as late as October with late summer and early fall as the typical peak times.
West Nile virus (WNV) can cause potentially serious illness in humans. Because mosquitoes spread the virus by feeding on infected birds and then biting people, other birds and animals, preventing mosquito breeding and avoiding bites are the primary prevention strategies.
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