West Nile Virus
The West Nile virus first emerged in the Western Hemisphere in 1999 in the New York City area and has since spread across the United States. The virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes.
Most human infections are mild, causing fever, headache and body aches, often accompanied by a skin rash and swollen lymph glands. If the virus crosses the blood-brain barrier, however, it can cause life-threatening conditions that include inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.
For more information about NIAID research on the West Nile virus, see the following pages:
- Factsheet -- NIAID Research on West Nile Virus.
A summary of ongoing research supported by NIAID.- Focus on Bug-borne Disease Research: USA -- West Nile Virus
More details and links related to research projects on the virus.- West Nile Virus: Congressional Testimony
Statement by NIAID Director Dr. Anthony Fauci, M.D., Sept. 24, 2002News Releases
- July 13, 2004 - NIAID Expands West Nile Virus Treatment Trial
- September 8, 2003 - NIAID Opens Innovative Treatment Study for West Nile Virus
- August 18, 2003 - Promising West Nile Virus Vaccine Protects Monkeys
- March 4, 2002 - Two Viruses Team Up in West Nile Vaccine
For More Information
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Information on West Nile Virus
The CDC's central site with prevention tips, information on cases, and resources for clinicians and laboratory workers, plus information for kids
- "MEDLINEplus" page on West Nile Virus
Health information from the National Library of Medicine with general overviews, diagnosis/symptoms, links to related organizations and the latest news
- West Nile Virus Maps
- 2003 Maps Provisional data from the CDC and the U.S. Geological Survey's Center for the Integration of Natural Disaster Information- NationalAtlas.Gov Maps showing the spread of the virus in the United States throughout 2000 and 2001
- Journal Articles on West Nile Virus in Pubmed
Links to scientific research articles provided by the National Library of Medicine
- Reports and Updates on West Nile Virus in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
Epidemiology statistics and other information prepared by the CDC for the medical and scientific community
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Last Updated July 13, 2004 (ms)
