Article
West Nile Virus: An Old Tale, New Mystery
Family Medicine
Division
South Atlantic
Hospital
Orange Park Medical Center
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
9-24-2019
Keywords
- infectious disease,
- viruses,
- case reports
Disciplines
Abstract
- West Nile Virus (WNV), belongs to the Flavivirus family, is considered an endemic disease in many states including Florida.
- In the last decade, the virus has been prominently reported in the Southern and Midwest States.
- The disease is most prevalent during the summer to fall month periods due to elevated temperatures leading to enhanced vector transmission.
- WNV is acquired via the bite of an infected mosquito particularly the Culex species, and is considered as the vector for the disease.
- Equines and humans are incidental hosts of WNV and disease transmission from these sources are rare. There are various human risk factors that are associated with WNV.
- Disease prevalence is reported to be equal among the sexes but peak incidence and mortality rates are seen among those who are 50 years of age and older, with a reported increase of encephalitis or meningitis variants of the disease.
- Comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension and other chronic illnesses have not been linked to WNV prevalence and disease outcomes.
Publisher or Conference
American Academy of Family Physician's Family Medical Experience 2019
Citation Information
Venkateswaran S & Gilford P. West Nile Virus: An Old Tale, New Mystery. Poster presented at: American Academy of Family Physician's Family Medical Experience; September 24-28, 2019; Philadelphia, PA.