The West Nile Virus Encephalitis Outbreak in the United States (1999-2000)

摘要: : Viruses cause most forms of encephalitis. The two main types responsible for epidemic encephalitis are enteroviruses and arboviruses. City New York reports about 10 cases yearly. Establishing a diagnosis is often difficult. In August 1999, cluster five patients with fever, confusion, weakness were admitted to community hospital in Flushing, York. Flaccid paralysis developed four the patients, they required ventilatory support. Three, less severe, presented later same month. An investigation was conducted by (NYC) State (NYS) health departments national Centers Disease Control Prevention (CDC). West Nile virus (WNV) identified as etiologic agent. WNV an arthropod-borne flavivirus, geographic distribution Africa, Middle East, southwestern Asia. It has also been isolated Australia sporadically Europe but never Americas. majority people infected have no symptoms. Fever, severe myalgias, headache, conjunctivitis, lymphadenopathy, roseolar rash can occur. Rarely, or meningitis seen. NYC outbreak resulted first infection Western Hemisphere arboviral since yellow fever nineteenth century. now public concern United States.