Texas has the highest number of West Nile virus cases in the US, official data reveals as Dr. Anthony Fauci recovers from the disease.
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Dr. Fauci, 83, was hospitalized for six days this month but is expected to make a full recovery at home.
The former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, who led the White House Coronavirus Task Force, lives in Washington D.C., though it is unclear where he contracted the mosquito-borne virus
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An interactive map by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals the number of cases per state amid official warnings to more vulnerable areas.
Texas has the highest number of reported cases with 37, followed by Nevada (23) and Nebraska (20). A total of 216 cases have been confirmed in the US in 2024.
The fourth and fifth highest number of cases are recorded in Louisiana (19) and Mississippi (18).
While the numbers do not seem high, residents in areas such as Massachussetts have been issued official guidance with certain communities deemed at high risk.
“The risk from West Nile virus is pretty widespread this year,” said Massachusetts state epidemiologist Dr. Catherine M. Brown.
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“In addition to recommending that people use mosquito repellent with an EPA-registered active ingredient and clothing to reduce exposed skin, check your window screens to be sure they don’t have holes and empty any containers that accumulate water around your yard.”
The New York City Department of Health said on Monday cases have been detected in the Big Apple for the first time this year, with four patients receiving treatment.
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They lived in Manhattan and Queens – and three were hospitalized.
There are no vaccines to prevent West Nile but most infected do not feel sick. Around one in five who are infected develop fever and other symptoms, while one in 150 develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness.
Last year, 1,800 were hospitalized in the US, leading to 182 deaths, according to the CDC.
