West Nile virus

Washington DC, July 23, 2008 -- Biodiversity has long been recognized by EPA as critical for environmental well-being. Humans rely on healthy ecosystems to provide food, clean air, and drinking water. But less understood is the connection between disease and biodiversity (the number and variety of plants and animals found in a geographic region). Recent studies suggest that maintaining biodiversity may protect us against diseases such as Lyme disease and West Nile encephalitis, the disease caused by West Nile Virus.    » read more »

June 17, 2008 -- BURLINGTON - Each year in Vermont, mosquitoes are mapped, monitored, targeted and trapped and – when spotted – swatted, smacked and squished.

The Vermont Department of Health’s main interest in the pests is whether or not the mosquitoes are infected with West Nile virus, an infection that may cause illness.

Mosquito: Photo by OliBac (CC)

Most mosquitoes are not infected with West Nile virus, which is transmitted from infected birds to certain types of mosquitoes that routinely feed on robins, jays, crows, ravens and raptors.    » read more »

Governor Issues Executive Order Implementing New Policy

April 1, 2008 -- CONCORD - New Hampshire Governor John Lynch today established a new statewide policy for mosquito control on state-owned lands aimed at helping reduce public health threats such as West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis

Mosquito: (Photo CC Gerald Yuvallos)

Gov. Lynch issued Executive Order 2008-4 directing agencies to implement the new policy, which was developed by a working group chaired by Exeter State Sen. Maggie Hassan.    » read more »

Two new counties reporting West Nile virus in animals and insects

October 24, 2007 -- SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Public Health is reporting today four additional human cases of West Nile virus bringing this year’s total in Illinois to 85. Additional cases include:

• Cook County man in his 60’s became ill in early September
• Cook County infant became ill in early October
• Kane County man in his 60’s became ill in early October
• McLean County woman in her 80’s became ill in late September    » read more »

Oct. 8, 2007 -- Maricopa County Public Health reported today its first death related to the 2007 West Nile virus season, an elderly man from Phoenix.

“It seems our West Nile cases peak later in the season and this year looks to be no exception,” said Dr. Bob England, director of the Maricopa County Department of Public Health.

“And even though it seems that our first death is coming late in the season, we are on track to not only see more cases this year, but more cases with the worst types of West Nile – West Nile encephalitis or meningitis.”    » read more »

Two new counties reporting West Nile virus in birds

September 26, 2007 -- SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Public Health is reporting today 14 additional human cases of West Nile virus including a Gallatin County woman in her 80’s who died on September 12. The woman is reported to have become ill in early September. This newly reported case in addition to the 13 cases listed below brings the total this year to 48. Additional cases include:

• McHenry County man in his 30’s became ill in mid-September    » read more »

09/10/2007 -- California Governor Schwarzenegger today issued an executive order calling for additional actions to fight the West Nile Virus. The Governor’s executive order broadens the purposes for which previously allocated funding of $10 million can be used to mitigate the West Nile Virus in at-risk counties.    » read more »