PANNA: Learning from West Nile Pesticide Action Network Updates
Service (PANUPS) In mid-August, mosquitoes carrying West Nile
Virus (WNV) were found in California's Salton Sea, at the
southern extension of an important bird migration route. As
communities across the country choose different strategies to
battle WNV, it's important to take stock of what we have learned
from West Nile's four years on our shores, to reduce the
possibility that our defense against West Nile may bring
unexpected consequences. While the West Nile Virus is common in
mosquitoes in Africa and Europe, the first U.S. human case was
reported in 1999 in New York State. The number of human cases
has increased each year; so far in 2003 the U.S. Centers for
Disease Control (CDC) reports 2,874 human cases and 53 deaths
(as of September 9, 2003). In 2002 there were 4,156 human cases
and 214 deaths. Most people who contract West Nile virus do not
experience symptoms. According to the CDC, about 13% of those
infected develop West Nile fever, wit