The spread and resurgence of west Nile virus disease: Recent developments in the virology, epidemiology, and clinical characteristics
2005
Lim, C.K.(National Inst. of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo (Japan)) | Kurane, I.
West Nile virus (WNV) is one of several members of the Japanese encephalitis serocomplex within family Flaviviridae, genus Flavivirus. WNV is maintained in a natural cycle between mosquitoes and birds. The virus causes febrile illness, meningitis, encephalitis, and flaccid paralysis in humans and horses. An epidemic outbreak of WN fever brought a high mortality in Rumania in 1996. It was followed by outbreaks in Israel, Russia, and the United States. In the United States the reported number of human and equine cases has exceeded 19,000 and 20,000, respectively, since it was first detected in New York City in 1999. The virus spread to neighboring countries and areas, including Canada, Mexico, Caribbean islands, and Colombia in 2003 and 2004. In Japan the first human case of WN fever, who developed illness soon after returning from the United States, was reported in 2005. Research on WNV has remarkably progressed during the past six years. This article aims to review recent progress in virology, epidemiology, and pathology of WNV infection. it will also provide a new platform for future research and prevention of WN fever / encephalitis.
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