West Nile Virus Symptoms: Disease Outbreak During Mosquito Season Expected But Can Be Prevented, Says Study

A new study has found a link between West Nile Virus incidence and meteorological anomalies, or changes in temperature and amount of rain, depending on the area. However, a promising vaccine may prevent and protect the public from this threat.

The study published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene shows a curious pattern among carriers of the disease in the U.S.

The researchers have found that the higher the temperature in Northeast and Southeast regions, the higher the likelihood of WNV outbreak. However, in the East and West, it was a little different. In the east, WNV incidence spiked when the fall and spring season were drier than normal. In the west, when it was wetter than normal, WNV incidence increased.

The research was conducted by analyzing data from 2004 to 2012 regarding the weather, temperature and different diseases that affect the country.

"If we can predict West Nile virus outbreaks, we can target public health messages to high-risk regions of the country," Micah Hahn, one of the study's authors and a scientist from both CDC and National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), told Time. "Counties will have additional information to use for deciding when, where and if they should do mosquito control," Hahn added.

The prediction system is a necessary tool, especially since the world is now feeling the impact of climate change. "Our study does not assess the impact of climate change on West Nile virus," according to Hahn. "That said, as a scientist studying climate and vector-borne diseases, I can say that we expect to see changes in weather extremes, more heavy rainfall events or more droughts, for example, as the climate continues to change, which may influence the distribution, abundance, and infection rate of mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus."

Meanwhile, a promising vaccine that is currently undergoing human trials may be effective against WNV, Science Times reports.

"West Nile virus represents a significant threat to public health in the United States, especially among the immunocompromised and the elderly," Mark Slifka, head of the vaccine study, was quoted as saying in the report. "We believe our vaccine approach will not only be safe and effective for West Nile virus, but it could also provide significant protection against other important human pathogens, including yellow fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever, and, potentially even Ebola."

Slifka is a scientist from the Oregon National Primate Research Center at OHSU and is collaborating with WNV experts including Michael Diamond from the Washington State University and Ian Amanna of Najit Technologies.

The CDC explains that humans get the West Nile Virus from mosquitoes, but symptoms of the infection do not always show. A small percentage of infected individuals may experience fever, headache, joint pains, rash, diarrhea, and body aches. There is no current antiviral cure for WNV infection, but pain relievers can be used to manage some symptoms.