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Detection of Infectious Virus from Field-collected Mosquitoes by Vero Cell Culture Assay
Published on: June 9, 2011
Risk factors for West Nile virus neuroinvasive disease, California, 2005
Cynthia M Jean1, Somayeh Honarmand, Janice K Louie
1California Department of Public Health, Richmond, California, USA. cynthia.jean@cdph.ca.gov
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|February 9, 2008
Abstract:
In 2005, 880 West Nile virus cases were reported in California; 305 case-patients exhibited neuroinvasive disease, including meningitis, encephalitis, or acute flaccid paralysis. Risk factors independently associated with developing neuroinvasive disease rather than West Nile fever included older age, male sex, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus.
Insights
In 2005, California reported 880 West Nile virus cases. Older age, male sex, hypertension, and diabetes increased the risk of severe neuroinvasive disease over West Nile fever.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- West Nile virus (WNV) is a significant public health concern.
- Neuroinvasive disease is a severe manifestation of WNV infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify risk factors associated with neuroinvasive West Nile virus disease in California.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of reported West Nile virus cases in California from 2005.
- Comparison of demographic and clinical data between patients with neuroinvasive disease and those with West Nile fever.
Main Results:
- A total of 880 WNV cases were reported in California in 2005.
- 305 cases presented with neuroinvasive disease (meningitis, encephalitis, acute flaccid paralysis).
- Older age, male sex, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus were independently associated with neuroinvasive disease.
Conclusions:
- Specific demographic and clinical factors increase the risk of severe West Nile virus outcomes.
- Identifying these risk factors can aid in targeted prevention and clinical management strategies for WNV.
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