CBS2-Header-Logo WFAN 1010WINS WCBS tiny WLNYLogo

West Nile Virus: Questions & Answers

CBS New York (con't)

Affordable Care Act Updates:

Health News & Information:

July 30, 2012 — How extensive is the threat of West Nile Virus this summer, and how can you help protect yourself from it? WebMD asked the CDC’s medical epidemiologist Marc Fischer, MD.

What is the status of West Nile so far this summer?



The overall number of cases is the highest number that we’ve seen reported through the third week of July since 2007.

Some areas experience more activity from year to year, but it’s very difficult to predict how severe this season will be or why seasons are different from one year to another or from area to area.

Many factors impact when and where outbreaks occur, including:

  • Weather
  • The number of mosquitoes that spread the virus
  • The number of birds that harbor the virus
  • Human behavior that allows them to be exposed to the virus



Because things can change over the year, it can be that the year’s activity is going to be larger than in recent years, or it can be that it will be an earlier season, and so we’ll end up having cases [now] and then smaller numbers later.

But typically, the season nationally peaks in the first few weeks of August, which is the time we’re just moving into, and given the amount of activity we’re seeing so far this early, it is important that people protect themselves against West Nile virus.

Weather, we know, plays a role in the amount of activity, but [determining] the specifics of what weather and what drives the amount of activity in cases is very difficult. Certainly temperature and precipitation play roles, but it’s a more complex relationship to what’s going to happen regarding activity.




West Nile virus is now endemic through the United States, and we can’t really predict where it’s going to occur.


Are there any areas that people should avoid?

No, we never really recommend people avoid any particular location. Even when West Nile virus is at its peak, the risk to any given individual is relatively low, but we do suggest that people be aware of West Nile virus and its activity in where they live or where they’re visiting, and that they take action to protect themselves and their family.



Also, when possible:

  • At your home, it’s good to install or repair screens on your windows and doors.
  • Use air conditioning if you have it.

Anyone who lives in an area where the virus is circulating can get infected. The risk of infection is in general higher for people who work outside or participate in lots of outdoor activities, especially during dawn and dusk, when the activity is greatest, because they’re just more likely to be exposed to mosquitos.




No matter which of these products you’re going to use, the most important thing is that you read the directions for that specific repellent because even the amount of that active [ingredient] that’s in the product that you’re using will vary, so you want to follow the directions as to how much to apply and how often to reapply it.
