Man test positive for West Nile virus Nov 14, 2008
West Nile virus, so named for its location of origin, is transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Flu-like symptoms, including fever and headaches, can occur in humans and, in rare cases, death can result. (Springfield Sun, PA)
Back Off Bugs: Time to Take Back Your Yard Nov 14, 2008
(ARA) - Few words strike more fear in outdoor enthusiasts than West Nile virus, Lyme disease or encephalitis ... According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) there are more than 20 confirmed human cases of West Nile Virus from California to Tennessee so far this year and 17 states have reported hundreds of avian, animal or mosquito cases ... West Nile virus and encephalitis viruses come in many forms, but they have two things in common -- a non-human primary host, like a bird, horse or... (Pekin Times, IL)
• Judge in Idaho likely to dismiss West Nile lawsuit Nov 14, 2008
Judge in Idaho likely to dismiss West Nile lawsuit BOISE, Idaho - A 4th District Court judge in Idaho says he'll likely dismiss a lawsuit filed by a man who says local officials should have warned him about West Nile virus ... Hayes sued, saying county and state warnings about West Nile virus _ and the need to see a doctor quickly after a bite _ came too late. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
New Plymouth man struggles to overcome West Nile virus Nov 13, 2008
July 24, Mark Harbolt was diagnosed with West Nile virus at Dominican Health Services ... Sandy Harbolt said Mark Harbolt was born with CRV, but when his West Nile virus hit, the CRV became stronger. (Ontario Argus Observer, OR)
UTMB Opens New Bio Lab Nov 12, 2008
The new lab will be used to do research studying infectious diseases like SARS, tuberculosis and the West Nile virus. The goal is to find ways to stop these diseases from spreading. (Click2Houston, TX)
Local Veterans take in parade, pass on war stories Nov 12, 2008
He usually rides in the parade but was weak after a bout with West Nile virus. Jobgen remembers guarding prisoners on Koje Island during the war. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
New West Nile case reported in Hinds County Nov 11, 2008
The Mississippi State Department of Health is reporting one new human case of West Nile virus, bringing the states total number of cases to 101 ... So far this year, health officials have reported four West Nile virus deaths one each in Hinds, Panola, Forrest and Leflore counties ... Since March 2008, there have been 23 West Nile virus cases in Hinds, the most of any county, and six cases of LaCrosse Encephalitis in the state. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Mosquito-Plagued Lindo Lake Gets Overhaul Nov 11, 2008
it just wouldn't be fiscally responsible to buy it now to watch it spill over the top," Ford said.Ford also says the larvicide used to kill the mosquitoes will now get where it needs to go to be effective, and by spring the habitat should back."We will have habitat again in time for migratory act when the birds come back to nest," Ford said.Hopefully, residents around the lake will be able to spend time outside again.So far, mosquitoes tested from the area have not carried the West Nile virus.... (TheSanDiegoChannel.com, CA)
Smaller Mosquitoes Are More Likely To Be Infected With Viruses Causing Human Diseases Nov 10, 2008
In recent times the program has invested much of its efforts towards addressing West Nile virus in Illinois as well as a program on encephalitis prevention. Adapted from materials provided by , via , a service of AAAS.. (Science Daily)
First Human West Nile Case Announced in Kern County Nov 9, 2008
-- The first case of the West Nile Virus in Kern County was confirmed by Kern County Public Health on Friday ... During October, the re-testing was done and it showed there had been a recent infection of West Nile Virus ... It is the first case of West Nile Virus in Kern County this year, compared to 140 human cases in 2007, including four fatalities. (KERO 23, CA)
A Doctor, a Mutation and a Potential Cure for AIDS Nov 8, 2008
Blocking CCR5 might have side effects: A study suggests that people with the mutation are more likely to die from West Nile virus. Most worrisome: The transplant treatment itself, given only to late-stage cancer patients, kills up to 30% of patients. (Wall Street Journal)
West Nile Virus Strikes Kern County Nov 8, 2008
-- In August, an outdoor worker contracted the first known case of the West Nile virus in Kern County ... Last year, 140 Kern County residents contracted the West Nile virus ... According to the Kern County Department of Public Health, the mosquitoes that contain the West Nile virus obtain it through feeding on birds that are infected. (KERO 23, CA)
DNA-based Vaccine Against West Nile Virus Effective Even After Onset Of Disease Nov 7, 2008
6, 2008) Researchers are developing a DNA-based vaccine against the dreaded West Nile virus (WNV), which can be transmitted from animals to humans ... One of these is caused by the West Nile virus (WNV), which was first identified in Uganda in 1937 ... Since its first appearance in the United States, around 400 people have died there after coming into contact with the West Nile virus. (Science Daily)
• T.F. voters OK insect abatement Nov 5, 2008
County commissioners created an emergency district last year in response to concerns about West Nile virus, covering only part of the county. Parks and Waterways officials spent about 170,000 on pest abatement between May 2006 and this fall. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
West Nile claims Fresno Co. man Nov 5, 2008
An 87-year-old northwest Fresno man who survived Hurricane Katrina three years ago has died of complications from West Nile virus, marking the first human fatality in Fresno County this year from the mosquito-borne disease ... It's ironic, Sanders said, that her father apparently contracted West Nile virus in Fresno, after growing up in Louisiana where the disease is more common ... West Nile virus often mimics influenza, with fevers, body aches and eye pain. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Media Coverage Affects How People Perceive Threat Of Disease Nov 4, 2008
Five were medical disorders that have been highly prevalent in the recent print media anthrax, SARS, West Nile virus, Lyme disease and avian flu and five were medical disorders that have not often been present in current media: Tularemia, human babesiosis, yellow fever, Lassa fever and hantavirus. Two groups of students, undergraduate and medical students, were asked to rate how serious, how prevalent, and how "disease-like" various conditions were. (Science Daily)
Media Affects Public Perception of Infectious Diseases Nov 4, 2008
Five of the diseases have received recent high-profile media coverage -- anthrax, SARS, West Nile virus, Lyme disease and avian flu -- while the other five haven't received much attention -- Tularemia, human babesiosis, yellow fever, Lassa fever and hantavirus. The researchers found "that a single incident reported in the media can cause great public concern if it is interpreted to mean that the potential risk is difficult to control, as with the possibility of a pandemic like in the case of... (MEDLINEplus)
Kokua Line: No-fly Zone Nov 3, 2008
Mori said another reason captured Java sparrows are euthanized is because they are known carriers of the West Nile Virus ... Mori said another reason captured Java sparrows are euthanized is because they are known carriers of the West Nile Virus. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Anthrax vaccine to be studied in Seattle Nov 3, 2008
The project aims to find better vaccines or drugs to protect against infectious diseases such as influenza, West Nile virus or bioterrorism agents such as anthrax ... Nepom and his colleagues created tetramers to mimic the parts of T-cells that recognize specific invaders -- a flu virus, a West Nile virus or anthrax bacteria. (Yahoo News -- Anthrax)
West Nile's North American spread described Nov 3, 2008
The rapid spread of West Nile virus in North America over the past decade is likely to have long-lasting ecological consequences throughout the continent, according to an article in the November issue of BioScience ... West Nile virus has killed hundreds of millions of birds and more than 1000 people in North America, and new outbreaks occur each year. (EurekAlert!)
BioScience tip sheet, November 2008 Nov 3, 2008
West Nile Virus Revisited: Consequences for North American Ecology ... The rapid spread of West Nile virus in North America over the past decade is likely to have long-lasting ecological consequences throughout the continent, and outbreaks continue. (EurekAlert!)
ESCONDIDO: Four issues emerge as key to City Council race Nov 2, 2008
ESCONDIDO ---- While the candidates for Escondido City Council have debated everything from park maintenance to West Nile virus during this fall's campaign, four issues have emerged as the most divisive. -- A proposed overnight parking ordinance. (North County Times)
West Nile cases drop sharply Nov 1, 2008
After nearly 2,400 Canadians contracted West Nile virus last year - 12 of them dying from the illness that starts simply as a mosquito bite - the number of cases dropped this year to just 36, none of them fatal ... West Nile virus was first reported in Canada in 2001. (Globe and Mail -- National)
Mosquito abatement vote set Nov 1, 2008
AMERICAN FALLS -- Voters will decide Tuesday whether Power County will enact a mosquito abatement district -- a new taxing district to finance the county's efforts to control mosquitoes and check for the spread of West Nile virus ... According to Tim Bennett, the regional director for Vector, mosquito pools in Power County tested positive for West Nile Virus in both 2007 and 2008. (Pocatello Idaho State Journal, ID)
Hidden Pest Risks of Vacant Homes Oct 31, 2008
Mosquitoes are known to transmit potentially deadly diseases like West Nile virus and encephalitis, which infect thousands of Americans each year according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ticks, fleas and stinging insects find refuge in overgrown weeds, natural areas and unmown lawns introducing the risks of Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and infections resulting from bites and stings that cause itching, swelling and more dangerous allergic reactions in victims... (Pekin Times, IL)
Neighbors dampen Alexan housing proposal Oct 31, 2008
Most importantly, the reservoirs will cause stagnant water to collect and be a gathering spot for mosquitoes and West Nile Virus, she said. These are serious health concerns. (Weymouth News, MA)
New bio-defense lab on storm-prone Texas island Oct 30, 2008
The laboratory will do research into diseases like Ebola, anthrax, tularemia, West Nile virus, drug-resistant tuberculosis, bubonic plague, avian influenza and typhus. In the top-level secure laboratories, where deadly filoviruses like Ebola are studied, the scientists work in pressurized space suits inside rooms with airtight steel doors. (International Herald Tribune -- Health)
• Public invited to sage grouse meeting in Burley Oct 30, 2008
The population fell again around 2000, experienced a significant increase in 2006, and is falling once again - mainly because of recent fires and the presence of West Nile Virus. In July, an initial outreach meeting coordinated by Fish and Game yielded interest in forming the local working group - now comprised of about a dozen people. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
Mosquito attack raises concerns over West Nile virus Oct 30, 2008
"Carlos Zimmerman, district manager of the L.A. County Department of Beaches and Harbors, said, "It's a possibility there are a lot of mosquitoes that have it [West Nile virus ... "Mark Brooks of the Los Angeles County West Vector and Vector-Borne Disease Control District said he knew nothing of the West Nile virus in Malibu or of the incident involving the workers who were swarmed by mosquitoes that possibly carry it. Brooks referred all inquiries to executive Robert Saviskas of the Los Angeles... (Malibu Times, CA)
Massachusetts man diagnosed with EEE Oct 28, 2008
With the arrival of cooler autumn weather, the threat of mosquito-borne illnesses such as eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile virus has significantly subsided. Still, until the first hard frost, disease specialists recommend that to avoid being bitten, limit outdoor activity from dusk to dawn, peak time for mosquito activity. (Boston Globe)
West Nile numbers down Oct 28, 2008
He later learned he had become the state's first documented victim of West Nile virus encephalitis, which has left him partially paralyzed ... Charles Gibbs of Clinton was an avid golfer before contracting West Nile virus six years ago ... Four of five people bitten by a West Nile virus-infected mosquito may never display symptoms, according to the CDC.. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Safer, More Effective TB Vaccine For HIV-positive People Developed Oct 25, 2008
(May 21, 2008) Researchers have made a giant leap forward in the race to develop a vaccine for the potentially debilitating West Nile virus. Researchers have found a way to generate immune response levels. (Science Daily)
Pima County has quiet West Nile season Oct 24, 2008
With the mosquito season nearing an end, the Pima County Health Department is pleased to announce that there have been no outbreaks of West Nile Virus in Pima County this year ... While this year has seen a quiet West Nile Virus season for Pima County, mosquitos do not recognize property lines, city limits or county boundaries, said Dr. Michelle McDonald, Chief Medical Officer for the Pima County Health Department ... I commend the public for taking aggressive action to protect themselves and... (FOX 11, AZ)
LA sees highest number of infections by West Nile virus Oct 24, 2008
Los Angeles sees highest number of infections by West Nile virus_English_Xinhua. Los Angeles sees highest number of infections by West Nile virus ... LOS ANGELES, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Los Angeles area has seen the highest number of human infections by West Nile virus this year in its history, with 131 reported cases and three deaths, health officials said on Thursday. (Xinhuanet, China)
Two more have West Nile Oct 24, 2008
Two Iberia Parish residents have recently been diagnosed with the potentially deadly West Nile virus, including a New Iberia man from the Acadian Acres area. According to Glenn Stokes, president of Mosquito Control Contractors, Inc., the other human case was from Jeanerette. (Yahoo News -- West Nile Virus)
Firm to increase stake in Biotech Oct 23, 2008
Its efforts include developing a vaccine for West Nile virus, a serious illness that can produce vision loss or paralysis along with neurological damage ... Currently, Hawaii Biotech is in a Phase 1 clinical trial for its West Nile virus vaccine. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Oct. 22, 2008 (50) Oct 23, 2008
of complications from the West Nile Virus; services 10 a.m. Saturday at Waterloo First United Methodist Church, with burial in Memorial Park Cemetery; visitation 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Locke Funeral Home, 233-6138. WATERLOO Betty J. McAhren, 80, of Waterloo, died Sunday, Oct. 19, at Allen Hospital of natural causes; services 10 a.m. Thursday at Burton Avenue Baptist Church, with burial in Garden of Memories Cemetery; visitation 4 to 8 p.m. today at Garden View Chapel, 232-2222, and for an hour... (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Evolution Of Genes That Trigger The Body's Immune Response To Viral Infection Oct 23, 2008
22, 2008) Virginia Commonwealth University Institute of Molecular Medicine researchers have traced the evolutionary origin of two genes that serve as primary cellular sensors of infection with RNA viruses, such as influenza, poliovirus, West Nile virus, and HIV, which may ultimately provide researchers with insight into a possible new pathway for the development of innate immunity ... 7, 2008) Screening the entire human genome, scientists have identified several hundred genes that impact West... (Science Daily)
Tick-borne Encephalitis Virus Reveals Its Access Code Oct 23, 2008
(June 18, 2004) A New York Medical College microbiologist warns that live virus vaccines to prevent infectious diseases like West Nile virus and yellow fever could have dire ... 5, 2002) U.S. government scientists have developed a hybrid vaccine that protects mice from West Nile virus (WNV) infection, as reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. (Science Daily)
Vaccine Type That Holds Promise In Protecting Against TB Identified Oct 22, 2008
(June 18, 2004) A New York Medical College microbiologist warns that live virus vaccines to prevent infectious diseases like West Nile virus and yellow fever could have dire. (July 23, 2008) Researchers have developed a novel four-component vaccine that protects monkeys against all four strains of dengue virus and may potentially offer protection to the millions of humans at risk. (Science Daily)
West Nile Virus cases down this year Oct 22, 2008
- The Wyoming Department of Health said Tuesday that 10 people were infected with West Nile Virus in the state this summer, down from 184 cases last year ... The health department said West Nile Virus led to two hospitalizations and one case of either meningitis or encephalitis this year, but there were no deaths. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
News Stories Oct 22, 2008
West Nile Virus Full Coverage on Yahoo. News. (Yahoo News -- West Nile Virus)
Climate warming linked to illness Oct 21, 2008
Warmer weather and heavier rains also will mean more mosquitoes, which can carry West Nile virus, malaria, and dengue fever. Fresh produce and shellfish are more likely to become contaminated. (Boston Globe)
MORE: Deadly ancient disease claims life near Grand Canyon Oct 21, 2008
The case mirrors events that have promoted a global surge in epidemics, among them influenza, HIV, West Nile virus and SARS. A study released this year in the journal Nature reported that about 60% of epidemics begin when a microbe makes the leap from an animal into a human. "What will be the next emerging disease? The one we least expect," says David Morens of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (USA Today -- News)
New outbreak Oct 21, 2008
" "After West Nile, there was a new awareness that we had missed the boat by not thinking about birds," says Columbia's Lipkin, who led the study that identified West Nile virus in humans in 1999. "Birds were dying all over New York. Nobody paid any attention. (USA Today -- News)
Equine encephalitis found in Denton County horse Oct 18, 2008
Horses with mosquito-borne encephalitic viruses such as EEE, Western Equine Encephalitis, or West Nile Virus may stagger, appear confused, and act erratically ... In 2002 when West Nile Virus was first detected in Texas, 1,699 equine animals were stricken with infection. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
Valley sees first case of West Nile Oct 17, 2008
West Nile virus is a disease native to Africa that spreads through mosquitoes ... "West Nile virus activity in Marin and Sonoma counties year to date for 2008 is similar to that of 2007," said Nizza Sequeira, public relations director for the Vector Control District ... "Remember, it only takes being bit one time by an infected mosquito to become ill with West Nile virus," Sequeira said. (Sonoma Index-Tribune, CA)
Late-season mosquitoes pester bow hunters Oct 16, 2008
But even tough-skinned veterans remain vulnerable to the risk of mosquito-borne illness, such as the West Nile virus found in the body of a dead red-tailed hawk in Allegan County earlier this month, Hinz said ... Until then, Hinz advised people who are outdoors and suffer mosquito bites to see a doctor if they develop fever, chills, headache and worsening general flu-type symptoms, which could signal West Nile virus. (Kalamazoo Gazette, MI)
County Lines for October 16, 2008 Oct 16, 2008
The first case of West Nile virus this year in San Luis Obispo County has been confirmed in a dead house finch, according to the state Department of Health Services ... Laboratory testing on Monday revealed the finch had West Nile virus, according to a Health Services spokeswoman ... Mosquitos carry the West Nile virus. (Santa Maria Times)
Response Biomedical Announces $5.5 Million Financing Oct 15, 2008
In the non-clinical market, RAMP(R) Tests are currently provided for the environmental detection of West Nile Virus, and Biodefense applications including the rapid on-site detection of anthrax, smallpox, ricin and botulinum toxin. Several other product applications are under development. (PR Newswire)
West Nile surge a worry Oct 15, 2008
The West Nile virus continued to infect Stanislaus County residents in late summer and early fall in another sign the mosquito-borne illness is here to stay ... The surge of infections was unusual because cases of West Nile virus typically peak in August, said Dr. John Walker, public health officer for Stanislaus County ... County officials expect to pare back a multiagency West Nile virus task force, which is scheduled to hold its final meeting of 2008 this week. (Modesto Bee, CA)
Afield with the Fat Boy: Big smile Oct 15, 2008
I had a biologist once tell me the grouse were subject to the West Nile virus. Now I'm starting to wonder. (Hillsdale Independent, NY)
Back Off Bugs: Time to Take Back Your Yard Oct 13, 2008
(ARA) - Few words strike more fear in outdoor enthusiasts than West Nile virus, Lyme disease or encephalitis ... According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) there are more than 20 confirmed human cases of West Nile Virus from California to Tennessee so far this year and 17 states have reported hundreds of avian, animal or mosquito cases ... West Nile virus and encephalitis viruses come in many forms, but they have two things in common -- a non-human primary host, like a bird, horse or... (Pekin Times, IL)
Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008 (37) Oct 13, 2008
from complications of West Nile Virus; services tentatively planned for Oct. 25 with burial in Waterloo Memorial Park Cemetery; visitation Oct. 24 at Locke Funeral Home, 233-6138. APLINGTON Bernie Lindeman, 95, of Aplington, died Saturday, Oct. 11, at Maple Manor Nursing Home, Aplington, of natural causes; services pending with Redman-Schwartz Funeral Chapel, Aplington, (319) 347-6275. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Rains Heighten West Nile Virus Concerns Oct 11, 2008
Rains Heighten West Nile Virus Concerns Wednesday, August 27, 2008 10:19 AM CDT. With abundant water standing since the skies opened up over the weekend and with reports of West Nile virus striking two people in our county, caution is in order. (Forest Scott County Times, MS)
Officials urge precaution as WNV season winds down Oct 11, 2008
As it turned out, however, the 18-year-old Lincoln County resident had contracted a case of the West Nile Virus, one of four reported this year in the county ... " Even though the peak season of mosquito activity ended at the close of September and the number of WNV cases is expected to drop off, state health officials and city leaders continue to urge residents to protect themselves against mosquitoes after the Mississippi State Department of Health reported Lincoln County's fourth human case... (Brookhaven Daily Leader, MS)
Between the blood draw and the disaster Oct 11, 2008
"The diseases we check for are HIV, Hepatitis and West Nile Virus," O'Tool said, showing the equipment. "We test the actual RNA for those viruses, so it?s very specific." He said it takes an eight-hour shift to test each sample. (Washington Journal, IA)
West Nile mosquitoes aren't biting Oct 11, 2008
PRINCETON It s been a fairly good year for the West Nile virus, at least locally. On Oct. 2, Carey Panier, director of environmental health for the Bureau County Health Department, announced the 2008 mosquito surveillance season for the West Nile Virus has ended for Bureau and Putnam counties ... Statewide, Illinois had 13 human cases of West Nile Virus reported this year, as of Tuesday, but no fatalities. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Study finds 5 percent of sage grouse habitat protected on U.S. land Oct 10, 2008
Critics of the report, including the head of the Nevada Department of Wildlife and others who oppose federal listing of the bird, said the study places too much emphasis on grazing and drilling while ignoring other threats to the species such as drought and West Nile virus. Some of the things they are saying are true, but it is an anti-grazing bent. (Helena Independent Record, MT)
• Abatementdistrictshares spaceon T.F. ballot Oct 10, 2008
Kramer, who pushed for the original emergency district, is one of several who say the traps and larvicides of the abatement district helped keep down cases of West Nile virus this year and last. The district also helped ward off cases of vesicular stomatitis, a virus that can be deadly in cattle and result in a quarantine preventing animal movement in and out of the county, said Kali Van Leeuwen, county parks director. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
State experiences inexplicably mild West Nile virus season Oct 10, 2008
HEALTH / WEST NILE VIRUS ... The West Nile virus season in Georgia, which experts feared would be among the worst, is turning out to be one of the mildest, health officials said Tuesday ... As the season winds down, Georgia health officials confirmed the fourth human case of West Nile virus last week in Floyd County, the second case in that county this year. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Arundel mosquitoes test positive for EEE Oct 10, 2008
State health officials said pools in other parts of Arundel and York County this year have come back negative for both EEE and West Nile Virus. The Maine CDC has notified area doctors, vets and other health care providers of the threat and is urging residents to take precautions to protect themselves from the disease. (Seacoast New Hampshire)
Dead bird in county has virus Oct 8, 2008
JEFFERSON The Jefferson County Health Department has reported that a dead blue jay found in Jefferson County has tested positive for West Nile virus ... She noted West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito ... Jefferson County residents should be aware of West Nile virus and take some simple steps to protect themselves against mosquito bites, Scott said. (Watertown Daily Times, WI)
Drains overflow at disease-study lab Oct 7, 2008
UGA officials expect the lab will help UGA scientists get federal grants to work with dangerous diseases such as highly pathogenic avian influenza and West Nile Virus. But in the burn-in phase, the first and so far only research in the AHRC's large-animal lab is with a virus called vesicular stomatitis. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Health department: West Nile spreading Oct 6, 2008
SANTA FE A 26-year-old San Juan County man is among the latest cases of West Nile virus confirmed by the New Mexico Department of Health last month. The six September cases bring the number of West Nile virus cases recorded to seven in six New Mexico counties this year ... West Nile virus, which is carried by mosquitoes, generally occurs from July through the first hard freeze of the season. (Farmington Daily Times)
