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West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus in
the United States West Nile
Virus infection was first reported in the Western Hemisphere
in 1999 during an outbreak in New York City and, since then
has spread east to west across the United States. During
1999 through 2007, over 27,000 human WNV infections
resulting in over 1,000 deaths have been reported to local and
state health departments. Over 4,600 cases have been
reported in Canada between 2002 and 2007.
West Nile virus is usually
transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito.
The virus also has been transmitted by blood transfusion,
organ transplantation, intrauterine infection, and possibly
breastfeeding. Blood banks have been screening blood
products for WNV infection since June 2003.
West Nile Virus in
Washington State Washington State conducts surveillance for WNV
infections in humans, birds, mosquitoes, horses and other
animals. The first detections of the virus in
Washington occurred in 2002; the first locally acquired
human infections were reported in 2006 from Pierce and Clark
counties.
For current or historical information on WNV in Washington State, please see the
DOH
West Nile Virus hompage.
Arboviral (arthropod-borne viral)
Diseases, including West Nile virus (WNV) infections, must
be reported to local health jurisdictions in Washington
State.
Purpose of Reporting and
Surveillance
-
To identify areas in which West Nile
Virus (WNV) is being transmitted.
-
To target areas for public education
about reducing mosquito habitats and preventing mosquito
bites.
-
To provide information for mosquito
control and environmental health initiatives.
Reporting Requirements
-
Health care providers: notifiable to
Local Health Jurisdiction within 3 working days.
-
Hospitals: notifiable to Local
Health Jurisdiction within 3 working days.
-
Laboratories: isolation of WNV or
detection of viral antibody or nucleic acid notifiable to
Local Health Jurisdiction in which within 2 working days.
-
Local Health Jurisdictions:
notifiable to DOH Communicable Disease Epidemiology within 7
calendar days of case investigation completion or summary
information required within 21 calendar days.
-
Veterinarians: Notifiable to Local
Health Jurisdiction or Washington State Department of
Agriculture.
Last
update
April 2008 |