Reasonable Rascal
11-01-02, 14:31
Provided for education and discussion under the terms of fair use doctrine.
**************************************
A ProMED-mail post
[There is some overlap between some of these reports, but they are reproduced on account of their different emphasis. - Mod.CP]
In these updates:
[1] Birds, raptor death (Ohio): clarification
[2] Sea mammal death, aquarium (New Jersey)
[3] Equids, vaccine performance (Texas)
[4] WHO update (as of 30 Oct 2002)
[5] USDA-APHIS report (Sun 20 Oct 2002)
[6] ERAP report (latest news, as of Tue 29 Oct 2002)
[7] MMWR-ArboNET report (USA, 24 to 30 Oct 2002)
******
[1]
Date: Mon 28 Oct 2002
From: Emi K Saito
Ohio: Raptor Death - Clarification of Evidence Available
-------------------------------------------------
I just want to clarify some statements in the Cincinnati Enquirer article about raptors evaluated at the USGS National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) as posted on ProMED-mail on 24 Oct 2002 [see: "Part [3] of West Nile virus update 2002 - (USA) (27) 20021024.5633].
The NWHC tests for West Nile virus (WNV) by virus isolation followed by PCR-confirmation of organ tissue specimens (kidney, spleen, brain), not blood.
In the 7 Ohio cases mentioned, other potential causes of death that were ruled out included toxin exposure, and bacterial, fungal and viral infections. Of the cases evaluated, 2 were confirmed with WNV as the cause
of death, based on WNV tests and microscopic changes in tissues. The other 5 cases were considered only presumptive West Nile virus infections based on the following: 2 of the birds were positive for WNV, but the encephalitis was not considered severe enough to explain the clinical signs and death; 3 of the birds tested negative for WNV, but had enough brain changes to suggest viral encephalitis as cause of the clinical signs and death. Since not enough is known about the natural history of infection in raptors, we could only conclude that these 5 birds likely died due to WNV infection.
Thus far, we have completed diagnostic evaluations on 8 raptors. However, these are 8 out of a total of 53 raptor submissions from several states that are currently being evaluated.
The conclusions drawn in the Cincinnati Enquirer article, that WNV caused the deaths of numerous raptors in Ohio, was based on the findings in only 7 birds. Until we have the results back on the 45 pending cases from several states, our findings should remain an indication that WNV could be the cause of the recent increase in mortality in raptors. However, these findings do not rule out all other causes of raptor morbidity and mortality.
--
Emi Kate Saito, VMD, MSPH
West Nile Virus Surveillance Coordinator
U.S. Geological Survey
National Wildlife Health Center
Madison, WI
******
[2]
Date: Wed 30 Oct 2002
Source: AP Online, Wed 30 Oct 2002 [edited]
New Jersey: Aquarium Seal Dies from West Nile Virus Infection
--------------------------------------------------
A harbor seal at the New Jersey State Aquarium died from West Nile virus infection, the first recorded case in the United States of a marine mammal succumbing to the disease.
Frank Steslow, vice president of biological programs at the aquarium, said the 12-year-old seal had been ill for 10 days before it died on 22 Sep 2002. Officials were not able to confirm the cause of death until last
week. The seal, named Sirrus, had lived at the aquarium's outdoor saltwater exhibit since it opened 10 years ago. Aquarium officials said he had no health problems and it wasn't clear how he got the disease.
Experts said there were no records of other marine mammals dying from the disease in the United States. However, officials at the National Zoo in Washington are awaiting test results to see if a 23-year-old gray seal that died on 2 Sep 2002 had the virus.
Earlier this month, concerns deepened about the disease becoming more widespread in animals when Louisiana officials said 4 dogs with encephalitis symptoms had West Nile. More than 100 species of birds also have been infected.
******
[3]
Date: Wed 30 Oct 2002
From: Carla Everett
Source: Texas Animal Health Commission, news release, Thu 31 Oct 2002 [edited]
Texas: Some Horses Need Vaccine 'Booster' Shot
----------------------------------------------
Cooler temperatures will bring a welcome break from mosquitoes, which this summer have transmitted West Nile virus (WNV) to more than 800 of Texas' nearly one million horses. Few areas of the state have been spared from the spread of this disease that was introduced into the U.S. in l999 and made its way to Texas in June 2002. Laboratory tests, most run at the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) have confirmed infection in horses in 149 Texas counties. WNV infection, a "sleeping sickness"
disease, can be harbored by more than 70 species of birds, and mosquitoes are responsible for spreading the disease from an infected birds to a horse or human. "For more than 14 months, we've urged owners to get their equids (horses, donkeys, and mules) vaccinated against WNV," said Dr. Linda Logan, state veterinarian and executive director of the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC), the state's livestock health regulatory agency. Although WNV is not a regulatory disease, TAHC veterinarians and animal health inspectors have worked to increase awareness about the disease, which can cause equids to suffer swelling of the brain, high fever and muscle tremors, or become unable to rise. According to national statistics, WNV infection can lead to death in up to a third of infected equids, Dr. Logan noted.
"Now owners should talk with the private veterinarian about a 'booster' shot for equids that were vaccinated at least 6 months ago. This is particularly important if the animals reside in or will be traveling to areas where temperatures are warm enough to support mosquitoes through the winter," said Dr. Logan. "This booster shot can strengthen the animal's immunity, enabling it to fight off development of clinical disease." WNV vaccine is produced by Fort Dodge Animal Health and is conditionally licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), explained veterinarian Terry Conger, TAHC's state epidemiologist. Aside from mosquito repellents, he said the vaccine, available through veterinarians, is the only protection available against the disease that has affected nearly 12 000 horses in 38 states in 2002. "Studies on the effectiveness of the vaccine must be completed before the vaccine gains final approval," said veterinarian Terry Conger, TAHC's state epidemiologist. "However, preliminary reports on the vaccine's safety and effectiveness looks good. Of the 20 000 equine animals vaccinated properly in 2001 in Florida, only one was known to have developed WNV infection." "Adequate supplies of WNV vaccine are available from the maker, but many owners have procrastinated about getting their horses immunized," said Dr. Conger. "On 28 Oct 2002, we talked with representatives of Fort Dodge Animal Health and were told only 750 000 doses of the vaccine have been ordered by Texas private practitioners. That's enough vaccine for only 325 000 of the state's 1 million horses, because the immunization process requires 2 doses of the vaccine, with the second administered 3 to 6 weeks after the first injection. Maximum disease immunity doesn't occur until 3 or 4 weeks after the second shot. To maintain disease protection, the animal needs a 'booster' shot yearly, or in warmer climates, every 6 months."
"In all likelihood, WNV will continue to spread, but in making a diagnosis in equids, we need always to consider rabies or other diseases that can cause animals to be disoriented," explained Dr. Logan. "Although fairly rare, rabies can strike livestock, and owners who handle an animal stricken with rabies should contact their physician immediately. It's important to follow through with your veterinary practitioner to get a diagnosis confirmed when livestock become extremely sick or die, especially if they exhibit signs of neurological distress, such as inability to rise, stumbling, head swinging, or disorientation.
--
Carla Everett
******
[4]
Date: 30 Oct 2002
From: Marianne Hopp
Subject: World Health Organisation (WHO) Disease Outbreaks Report, Wed 30 Oct 2002 [edited]
<http://www.who.int/disease-outbreak-news/n2002/october/30october2002.html>
West Nile Virus in the United States - WHO Update 8
--------------------------------------------------
As of Tue 29 Oct 2002, the WHO Collaborating Centre for Arthropod Borne Viruses -- Western Hemisphere, at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 3399 human cases of West Nile virus infection, with 193 deaths occurring in 38 states and the District of Columbia. During 2002, West Nile virus activity (evidence of infections in birds, humans, mosquitoes,and other animals -- primarily horses) has been documented in 43 states and the District of Columbia (see previous report:
<http://www.who.int/disease-outbreak-news/n2002/october/22october2002.html>
--
Marianne Hopp
******
[5]
Date: Wed 30 Oct 2002
From: ProMED-mail
Source: United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Inspection Service, Update on the Current Status of West Nile Virus, as of Sun 27 Oct 2002 [edited]
<http://www.aphis.usda.gov/oa/wnv/wnvstats.html>
Equine Cases of West Nile Virus Illness in 2002: 1 Jan to 27 Oct 2002
-------------------------------------------------
The total number of equine cases of illness caused by West Nile virus (WNV) confirmed at the USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) or reported by state officials so far this year is 11 957. That is an increase of 431 cases from one week ago.
The cases are from 38 states: Alabama (88), Arkansas (117), Colorado (378), Connecticut (1), Delaware (1), Florida (294), Georgia (50), Illinois (949), Indiana (640), Iowa (1,039), Kansas (629), Kentucky (486), Louisiana (358), Maryland (15), Massachusetts (1), Michigan (307), Minnesota (859), Mississippi (256), Missouri (681), Montana (134), Nebraska (1,078), New Jersey (37), New Mexico (35), New York (26), North Carolina (10), North Dakota (569), Ohio (626), Oklahoma (349), Pennsylvania (74), South Carolina
(6), South Dakota (671), Tennessee (115), Texas (817), Vermont (3), Virginia (35), West Virginia (3), Wisconsin (127), and Wyoming (93).
******
[6]
Date Wed 23 Oct 2002
From: ProMED-mail
Source: Environmental Risk Analysis Program, Cornell University Center for the Environment, Tue 29 Oct 2002 [edited]
<http://www.cfe.cornell.edu/erap/WNV/>
West Nile Virus Latest News - as of Tue 29 Oct 2002
-------------------------------------------------
In 2002 West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in 43 states across the US and 5 provinces in Canada, from Saskatchewan to Nova Scotia. In the US the only states where it has not been detected are Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho (though it has been detected in raven in a bordering county in Washington), Nevada, Oregon and Utah. In many states WNV has been detected in all, or nearly all, counties, including several on the Mexican border.
As of Mon 28 Oct 2002, CDC reports 3391 human cases (188 fatalities) in 38 states and Washington DC. During the week 10 to 16 Oct, 256 new lab-positive human cases were reported, with largest numbers of new cases from Indiana and Nebraska. The number of human cases and fatalities continues to increase, while the rate of increase has slowed to about half that of mid-September (256 new cases last week compared with 487 during a week one month ago).
The BBC reported on Mon 28 Oct 2002 that researchers at the [NERC] Centre for Ecology and Hydrology at Oxford University have found WNV antibodies in non-migratory birds in the UK. These findings suggest presence of WNV in the UK.
The Israel Health Ministry announced on 16 Oxt 2002 that there have been 26 human cases of WNV in 2002 (2 fatalities), which is comparable to the case load in 2001 and about 5 percent the number of human cases in 2000. WNV-positive mosquitoes were detected as early as May in 2002, as compared with first detections in August of previous years.
******
[7]
Date: Thu 31 Oct 2002
From: ProMED-mail
Source: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly, West Nile Virus Activity, Fri 1 Nov 2002, 51(43);974-975 [edited]
<http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5143a6.htm>
West Nile Virus Activity; United States, Thu 24 to Wed 30 Oct 2002
--------------------------------------------------
This report summarizes West Nile virus (WNV) surveillance data reported to CDC through ArboNET and by states and other jurisdictions as of 30 Oct 2002.
During the period 24 to 30 Oct 2002, a total of 123 laboratory-positive human cases of WNV-associated illness were reported from Indiana (n=43), Illinois (n=14), Pennsylvania (n=12), Michigan (n=9), Louisiana (n=7), Ohio (n=7), Colorado (n=5), Mississippi (n=4), Connecticut (n=3), Florida (n=3), Missouri (n=3), Texas (n=3), Minnesota (n=2), New York (n=2), Iowa (n=one), Maryland (n=one), Nebraska (n=one), New Jersey (n=one), Tennessee (n=one), and West Virginia (n=one).
During the same period, WNV infections were reported in 519 dead crows and 424 other dead birds. A total of 272 veterinary cases and 165 WNV-positive mosquito pools were reported.
During 2002, a total of 3419 human cases with laboratory evidence of recent WNV infection have been reported from Illinois (n=719), Michigan (n=472), Ohio (n=385), Louisiana (n=317), Indiana (n=247), Mississippi (n=182), Missouri (n=162), Texas (n=140), Nebraska (n=115), New York (n=73),
Pennsylvania (n=59), Kentucky (n=59), Tennessee (n=50), Iowa (n=45), Alabama (n=41), Minnesota (n=41), South Dakota (n=37), Wisconsin (n=37), the District of Columbia (n=27), Georgia (n=25), Maryland (n=24), Virginia (n=24), Arkansas (n=21), Massachusetts (n=21), Connecticut (n=17), North
Dakota (n=17), Florida (n=16), New Jersey (n=11), Colorado (n=10), Oklahoma (n=8), Kansas (n=6), West Virginia (n=3), North Carolina (n=2), California (n=one), Delaware (n=one), Rhode Island (n=one), South Carolina (n=one), Vermont (n=one), and Wyoming (n=one).
Among the 3044 patients for whom data were available, the median age was 56 years (range: 1 month to 99 years); 1643 (54 percent) were male, and the dates of illness onset ranged from 10 Jun to 19 Oct 2002. A total of 180 human deaths have been reported. The median age of decedents was 79 years (range: 24 to 99 years); 107 (59 percent) deaths were among men.
In addition, 7093 dead crows and 5343 other dead birds with WNV infection were reported from 42 states and the District of Columbia; 7333 WNV infections in mammals (7320 equines, 3 canines, and 10 other species) have been reported from 35 states (Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota,
Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming).
During 2002, WNV seroconversions have been reported in 365 sentinel chicken flocks from Florida, Iowa, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas, and New York City; 4782 WNV-positive mosquito pools have been reported from 26 states (Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, and Virginia), New York City, and the District of Columbia.
Additional information about WNV activity is available from CDC at:
<http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm> and
<http://www.cindi.usgs.gov/hazard/event/west_nile/west_nile.html>.
--
ProMED-mail
**************************************
A ProMED-mail post
[There is some overlap between some of these reports, but they are reproduced on account of their different emphasis. - Mod.CP]
In these updates:
[1] Birds, raptor death (Ohio): clarification
[2] Sea mammal death, aquarium (New Jersey)
[3] Equids, vaccine performance (Texas)
[4] WHO update (as of 30 Oct 2002)
[5] USDA-APHIS report (Sun 20 Oct 2002)
[6] ERAP report (latest news, as of Tue 29 Oct 2002)
[7] MMWR-ArboNET report (USA, 24 to 30 Oct 2002)
******
[1]
Date: Mon 28 Oct 2002
From: Emi K Saito
Ohio: Raptor Death - Clarification of Evidence Available
-------------------------------------------------
I just want to clarify some statements in the Cincinnati Enquirer article about raptors evaluated at the USGS National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) as posted on ProMED-mail on 24 Oct 2002 [see: "Part [3] of West Nile virus update 2002 - (USA) (27) 20021024.5633].
The NWHC tests for West Nile virus (WNV) by virus isolation followed by PCR-confirmation of organ tissue specimens (kidney, spleen, brain), not blood.
In the 7 Ohio cases mentioned, other potential causes of death that were ruled out included toxin exposure, and bacterial, fungal and viral infections. Of the cases evaluated, 2 were confirmed with WNV as the cause
of death, based on WNV tests and microscopic changes in tissues. The other 5 cases were considered only presumptive West Nile virus infections based on the following: 2 of the birds were positive for WNV, but the encephalitis was not considered severe enough to explain the clinical signs and death; 3 of the birds tested negative for WNV, but had enough brain changes to suggest viral encephalitis as cause of the clinical signs and death. Since not enough is known about the natural history of infection in raptors, we could only conclude that these 5 birds likely died due to WNV infection.
Thus far, we have completed diagnostic evaluations on 8 raptors. However, these are 8 out of a total of 53 raptor submissions from several states that are currently being evaluated.
The conclusions drawn in the Cincinnati Enquirer article, that WNV caused the deaths of numerous raptors in Ohio, was based on the findings in only 7 birds. Until we have the results back on the 45 pending cases from several states, our findings should remain an indication that WNV could be the cause of the recent increase in mortality in raptors. However, these findings do not rule out all other causes of raptor morbidity and mortality.
--
Emi Kate Saito, VMD, MSPH
West Nile Virus Surveillance Coordinator
U.S. Geological Survey
National Wildlife Health Center
Madison, WI
******
[2]
Date: Wed 30 Oct 2002
Source: AP Online, Wed 30 Oct 2002 [edited]
New Jersey: Aquarium Seal Dies from West Nile Virus Infection
--------------------------------------------------
A harbor seal at the New Jersey State Aquarium died from West Nile virus infection, the first recorded case in the United States of a marine mammal succumbing to the disease.
Frank Steslow, vice president of biological programs at the aquarium, said the 12-year-old seal had been ill for 10 days before it died on 22 Sep 2002. Officials were not able to confirm the cause of death until last
week. The seal, named Sirrus, had lived at the aquarium's outdoor saltwater exhibit since it opened 10 years ago. Aquarium officials said he had no health problems and it wasn't clear how he got the disease.
Experts said there were no records of other marine mammals dying from the disease in the United States. However, officials at the National Zoo in Washington are awaiting test results to see if a 23-year-old gray seal that died on 2 Sep 2002 had the virus.
Earlier this month, concerns deepened about the disease becoming more widespread in animals when Louisiana officials said 4 dogs with encephalitis symptoms had West Nile. More than 100 species of birds also have been infected.
******
[3]
Date: Wed 30 Oct 2002
From: Carla Everett
Source: Texas Animal Health Commission, news release, Thu 31 Oct 2002 [edited]
Texas: Some Horses Need Vaccine 'Booster' Shot
----------------------------------------------
Cooler temperatures will bring a welcome break from mosquitoes, which this summer have transmitted West Nile virus (WNV) to more than 800 of Texas' nearly one million horses. Few areas of the state have been spared from the spread of this disease that was introduced into the U.S. in l999 and made its way to Texas in June 2002. Laboratory tests, most run at the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) have confirmed infection in horses in 149 Texas counties. WNV infection, a "sleeping sickness"
disease, can be harbored by more than 70 species of birds, and mosquitoes are responsible for spreading the disease from an infected birds to a horse or human. "For more than 14 months, we've urged owners to get their equids (horses, donkeys, and mules) vaccinated against WNV," said Dr. Linda Logan, state veterinarian and executive director of the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC), the state's livestock health regulatory agency. Although WNV is not a regulatory disease, TAHC veterinarians and animal health inspectors have worked to increase awareness about the disease, which can cause equids to suffer swelling of the brain, high fever and muscle tremors, or become unable to rise. According to national statistics, WNV infection can lead to death in up to a third of infected equids, Dr. Logan noted.
"Now owners should talk with the private veterinarian about a 'booster' shot for equids that were vaccinated at least 6 months ago. This is particularly important if the animals reside in or will be traveling to areas where temperatures are warm enough to support mosquitoes through the winter," said Dr. Logan. "This booster shot can strengthen the animal's immunity, enabling it to fight off development of clinical disease." WNV vaccine is produced by Fort Dodge Animal Health and is conditionally licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), explained veterinarian Terry Conger, TAHC's state epidemiologist. Aside from mosquito repellents, he said the vaccine, available through veterinarians, is the only protection available against the disease that has affected nearly 12 000 horses in 38 states in 2002. "Studies on the effectiveness of the vaccine must be completed before the vaccine gains final approval," said veterinarian Terry Conger, TAHC's state epidemiologist. "However, preliminary reports on the vaccine's safety and effectiveness looks good. Of the 20 000 equine animals vaccinated properly in 2001 in Florida, only one was known to have developed WNV infection." "Adequate supplies of WNV vaccine are available from the maker, but many owners have procrastinated about getting their horses immunized," said Dr. Conger. "On 28 Oct 2002, we talked with representatives of Fort Dodge Animal Health and were told only 750 000 doses of the vaccine have been ordered by Texas private practitioners. That's enough vaccine for only 325 000 of the state's 1 million horses, because the immunization process requires 2 doses of the vaccine, with the second administered 3 to 6 weeks after the first injection. Maximum disease immunity doesn't occur until 3 or 4 weeks after the second shot. To maintain disease protection, the animal needs a 'booster' shot yearly, or in warmer climates, every 6 months."
"In all likelihood, WNV will continue to spread, but in making a diagnosis in equids, we need always to consider rabies or other diseases that can cause animals to be disoriented," explained Dr. Logan. "Although fairly rare, rabies can strike livestock, and owners who handle an animal stricken with rabies should contact their physician immediately. It's important to follow through with your veterinary practitioner to get a diagnosis confirmed when livestock become extremely sick or die, especially if they exhibit signs of neurological distress, such as inability to rise, stumbling, head swinging, or disorientation.
--
Carla Everett
******
[4]
Date: 30 Oct 2002
From: Marianne Hopp
Subject: World Health Organisation (WHO) Disease Outbreaks Report, Wed 30 Oct 2002 [edited]
<http://www.who.int/disease-outbreak-news/n2002/october/30october2002.html>
West Nile Virus in the United States - WHO Update 8
--------------------------------------------------
As of Tue 29 Oct 2002, the WHO Collaborating Centre for Arthropod Borne Viruses -- Western Hemisphere, at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 3399 human cases of West Nile virus infection, with 193 deaths occurring in 38 states and the District of Columbia. During 2002, West Nile virus activity (evidence of infections in birds, humans, mosquitoes,and other animals -- primarily horses) has been documented in 43 states and the District of Columbia (see previous report:
<http://www.who.int/disease-outbreak-news/n2002/october/22october2002.html>
--
Marianne Hopp
******
[5]
Date: Wed 30 Oct 2002
From: ProMED-mail
Source: United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Inspection Service, Update on the Current Status of West Nile Virus, as of Sun 27 Oct 2002 [edited]
<http://www.aphis.usda.gov/oa/wnv/wnvstats.html>
Equine Cases of West Nile Virus Illness in 2002: 1 Jan to 27 Oct 2002
-------------------------------------------------
The total number of equine cases of illness caused by West Nile virus (WNV) confirmed at the USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) or reported by state officials so far this year is 11 957. That is an increase of 431 cases from one week ago.
The cases are from 38 states: Alabama (88), Arkansas (117), Colorado (378), Connecticut (1), Delaware (1), Florida (294), Georgia (50), Illinois (949), Indiana (640), Iowa (1,039), Kansas (629), Kentucky (486), Louisiana (358), Maryland (15), Massachusetts (1), Michigan (307), Minnesota (859), Mississippi (256), Missouri (681), Montana (134), Nebraska (1,078), New Jersey (37), New Mexico (35), New York (26), North Carolina (10), North Dakota (569), Ohio (626), Oklahoma (349), Pennsylvania (74), South Carolina
(6), South Dakota (671), Tennessee (115), Texas (817), Vermont (3), Virginia (35), West Virginia (3), Wisconsin (127), and Wyoming (93).
******
[6]
Date Wed 23 Oct 2002
From: ProMED-mail
Source: Environmental Risk Analysis Program, Cornell University Center for the Environment, Tue 29 Oct 2002 [edited]
<http://www.cfe.cornell.edu/erap/WNV/>
West Nile Virus Latest News - as of Tue 29 Oct 2002
-------------------------------------------------
In 2002 West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in 43 states across the US and 5 provinces in Canada, from Saskatchewan to Nova Scotia. In the US the only states where it has not been detected are Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho (though it has been detected in raven in a bordering county in Washington), Nevada, Oregon and Utah. In many states WNV has been detected in all, or nearly all, counties, including several on the Mexican border.
As of Mon 28 Oct 2002, CDC reports 3391 human cases (188 fatalities) in 38 states and Washington DC. During the week 10 to 16 Oct, 256 new lab-positive human cases were reported, with largest numbers of new cases from Indiana and Nebraska. The number of human cases and fatalities continues to increase, while the rate of increase has slowed to about half that of mid-September (256 new cases last week compared with 487 during a week one month ago).
The BBC reported on Mon 28 Oct 2002 that researchers at the [NERC] Centre for Ecology and Hydrology at Oxford University have found WNV antibodies in non-migratory birds in the UK. These findings suggest presence of WNV in the UK.
The Israel Health Ministry announced on 16 Oxt 2002 that there have been 26 human cases of WNV in 2002 (2 fatalities), which is comparable to the case load in 2001 and about 5 percent the number of human cases in 2000. WNV-positive mosquitoes were detected as early as May in 2002, as compared with first detections in August of previous years.
******
[7]
Date: Thu 31 Oct 2002
From: ProMED-mail
Source: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly, West Nile Virus Activity, Fri 1 Nov 2002, 51(43);974-975 [edited]
<http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5143a6.htm>
West Nile Virus Activity; United States, Thu 24 to Wed 30 Oct 2002
--------------------------------------------------
This report summarizes West Nile virus (WNV) surveillance data reported to CDC through ArboNET and by states and other jurisdictions as of 30 Oct 2002.
During the period 24 to 30 Oct 2002, a total of 123 laboratory-positive human cases of WNV-associated illness were reported from Indiana (n=43), Illinois (n=14), Pennsylvania (n=12), Michigan (n=9), Louisiana (n=7), Ohio (n=7), Colorado (n=5), Mississippi (n=4), Connecticut (n=3), Florida (n=3), Missouri (n=3), Texas (n=3), Minnesota (n=2), New York (n=2), Iowa (n=one), Maryland (n=one), Nebraska (n=one), New Jersey (n=one), Tennessee (n=one), and West Virginia (n=one).
During the same period, WNV infections were reported in 519 dead crows and 424 other dead birds. A total of 272 veterinary cases and 165 WNV-positive mosquito pools were reported.
During 2002, a total of 3419 human cases with laboratory evidence of recent WNV infection have been reported from Illinois (n=719), Michigan (n=472), Ohio (n=385), Louisiana (n=317), Indiana (n=247), Mississippi (n=182), Missouri (n=162), Texas (n=140), Nebraska (n=115), New York (n=73),
Pennsylvania (n=59), Kentucky (n=59), Tennessee (n=50), Iowa (n=45), Alabama (n=41), Minnesota (n=41), South Dakota (n=37), Wisconsin (n=37), the District of Columbia (n=27), Georgia (n=25), Maryland (n=24), Virginia (n=24), Arkansas (n=21), Massachusetts (n=21), Connecticut (n=17), North
Dakota (n=17), Florida (n=16), New Jersey (n=11), Colorado (n=10), Oklahoma (n=8), Kansas (n=6), West Virginia (n=3), North Carolina (n=2), California (n=one), Delaware (n=one), Rhode Island (n=one), South Carolina (n=one), Vermont (n=one), and Wyoming (n=one).
Among the 3044 patients for whom data were available, the median age was 56 years (range: 1 month to 99 years); 1643 (54 percent) were male, and the dates of illness onset ranged from 10 Jun to 19 Oct 2002. A total of 180 human deaths have been reported. The median age of decedents was 79 years (range: 24 to 99 years); 107 (59 percent) deaths were among men.
In addition, 7093 dead crows and 5343 other dead birds with WNV infection were reported from 42 states and the District of Columbia; 7333 WNV infections in mammals (7320 equines, 3 canines, and 10 other species) have been reported from 35 states (Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota,
Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming).
During 2002, WNV seroconversions have been reported in 365 sentinel chicken flocks from Florida, Iowa, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas, and New York City; 4782 WNV-positive mosquito pools have been reported from 26 states (Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, and Virginia), New York City, and the District of Columbia.
Additional information about WNV activity is available from CDC at:
<http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm> and
<http://www.cindi.usgs.gov/hazard/event/west_nile/west_nile.html>.
--
ProMED-mail