West Nile Fever in USA - update

Overall, 740 cases of West Nile virus disease in people have been reported to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by 37 states and the District of Columbia. Of these, 34 people have died. Four states, California, North Dakota, South Dakota and Texas have reported 50 cases or more.

Advice

Travelers who plan to spend a lot of time outdoors or who will be in areas with a lot of mosquitoes are at increased risk of exposure to West Nile Virus.The risk of exposure for the general traveller is quite low. However, in a small number of infected people, West Nile virus can cause serious neurological illness, including death. Since there is no vaccine or treatment for West Nile fever, travellers to areas where this virus has been found can reduce their risk of exposure by taking all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites.