THIS chilling map shows the deadly spread of the West Nile virus as it continues to rage across America and claim lives.
At least 19 people have died this year after being infected with the mosquito-borne disease as scientists brand the virus an “endemic”.
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Tiny numbers of infections have been reported in states including California, New York, Washington, and Louisiana – but at least 85 cases have been reported in Maricopa County, Arizona this year alone.
It is the highest figure of any country, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
And, local health officials fear that there have been more than 100 infections this year, Fox 10 reports.
Four deaths have occurred, but officials are now more concerned that this number could increase as the monsoon season hits the state.
Stagnant water has created the perfect breeding ground, AZ Family reports.
Officials have confirmed that the virus is now being detected in record numbers of mosquitoes.
More than 600 of the insects sampled have tested positive – up from just 10 last year.
Scientists at the Centers for Disease Control have branded the virus “endemic” meaning it is commonly found in America.
West Nile Virus does not appear to affect all states. CDC boffins haven’t reported cases in Florida, North Carolina and Kentucky.
However, this does not mean the virus is not circulating.
This year, at least 19 people have died from the West Nile virus.
Maricopa resident Donald Streets, 86, died on Friday after possibly contracting the mosquito-borne disease while sitting on his back porch, his son toldABC15.
Los Angeles County reported the first victim of the disease Friday.
An unnamed resident passed away after being admitted to hospital, ABC7 reported.
LA County Health Officer Muntu Davis said: “West Nile virus can be a serious health threat to people who get infected.”
North Dakota reported its first West Nile virus death on September 10, and Nebraska has reported two fatalities.
Both of the Nebraska victims died from underlying medical conditions.
KILLER BUG
The state’s health officials issued an alert, warning that “the cases statewide have already exceeded the number of cases last year,” according toKETV.
Utah, Arkansas, New Jersey, Idaho, and South Dakota have each reported one death from the virus.
In Texas and Colorado, however, the virus has claimed two lives.
43 states have reported cases in humans and animals of the virus.
Lawmakers have called on Americans to prevent the spread.
According to some, Hurricane Ida may have contributed to the recent rise in mosquito numbers.
Shawn M. LaTourette, of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, said: “We are seeing an increase in mosquitos at present due to the recent flooding from Ida.”
There is no cure for the virus so Americans have been told to regularly drain containers of standing water and clogged gutters.
Health officials have also encouraged people to wear long-sleeved shirts when out and avoid being outside during dawn and dusk, according to NJ Spotlight.
New York senator Chuck Schumer called on the federal government to help the state control mosquitos, perFOX5.
This is actually one of the worst mosquito seasons that we have had in recent memory
Chuck Schumer
He said: “This is actually one of the worst mosquito seasons that we have had in recent memory.”
“Even more concerning, these mosquitoes can spread the deadly West Nile Virus.”
Schumer added that more than 1,000 pools of stagnant water in New York City have tested positive for the West Nile Virus.
“The health department told the media that these numbers break the 2018 record for the entire mosquito season,” He said.
New York City has reported West Nile viruses in all five boroughs.
The West Nile virus is a non-contagious illness first discovered in the West Nile district of Uganda in 1937.
About 80 percent of West Nile virus sufferers don’t have symptoms. However, some may experience mild flu-like symptoms and a skin reaction.
Vulnerable patients and those aged over 50 can become seriously ill.
Serious infection can cause patients to experience muscle weakness, confusion, paralysis, and seizures, according to theWHO.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, symptoms can last from three to fourteen days.
Although mild cases don’t usually require treatment, severe cases may require medical attention.
Rare cases can lead to meningitis, encephalitis and even meningitis.
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