West Nile Virus Fast Facts

Those who become ill may develop West Nile encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain.

There is no vaccine or specific treatment for West Nile virus.

According to the CDC, only 1% of people bitten by West Nile-infected mosquitoes become seriously ill.

2003 – 9,862 cases of West Nile Virus were identified in the United States with 264 fatalities.

2002 – 4,156 cases of West Nile Virus were reported in 39 states and the District of Columbia with 284 fatalities.

1999-2001 – 149 cases of West Nile virus were reported in the United States with 19 fatalities.

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