Two more people have died, in New Jersey, from West Nile virus, bringing the total number of U.S. deaths in 2024 to five—Newsweek maps show the extent of the outbreak.
According to health officials, two people in eastern Wisconsin and one person in northeastern Illinois have also died of West Nile virus this year.
A total of 289 cases of the disease have been detected so far, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), across 33 different states, but what is West Nile virus, and who is most at risk?
West Nile virus is the leading mosquito-borne infections in the U.S., according to the CDC, with roughly 80 percent of those infected not displaying any symptoms. However, one in 150 infections leads to a serious, sometimes fatal, illness.
The virus has been confirmed in 33 states so far. Texas leads the nation with 41 reported cases, followed by Mississippi with 25, and Nebraska with 24. Other states with notable numbers include Nevada with 23 cases, Louisiana with 21 cases, and California with 18. In contrast, states like Connecticut and South Carolina have reported only one case each.
A more detailed map shows the infections by county, with information about cases of the disease reported in both humans and in animals.
For the majority of symptomatic infections, West Nile virus causes fever, headaches, joint pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, along with fatigue and weakness that can last for weeks or even months.
However, in severe cases, the disease can affect the central nervous system, potentially resulting in inflammation of the brain or the membranes surrounding it.
In these cases, symptoms may include headaches, neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, vision loss, numbness, coma and paralysis. For those who go on to develop these severe symptoms there is a one in 10 risk of death.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, recently revealed he was recovering from West Nile virus after likely being bitten in his backyard.
To mitigate the risk of infection, health officials recommend several preventive measures. Using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and avoiding standing water can significantly reduce the likelihood of mosquito bites. For those living in affected areas, these steps are crucial as West Nile virus season extends through the fall.
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