Decreasing the Burden of West Nile Virus Disease: The Need for More Prevention Measures

After the introduction of West Nile virus (WNV) in 1999, the virus became endemic in the United States, causing approximately 1,300 severe neurological disease cases and 130 deaths annually. WNV is also responsible for a substantial disease burden in Canada, Europe, and countries around the Mediterranean Sea. WNV prevention currently relies on personal protective behaviors (PPBs) and mosquito control, but these measures have been inadequate to substantially reduce WNV disease cases or deaths. Additional measures are also necessary to diagnose, treat, prevent, and control WNV disease. Human WNV vaccine, anti-WNV monoclonal antibody used as preexposure prophylaxis in patients at higher risk for severe WNV disease, and more rapidly detecting WNV infection, among other measures, will be critical to help combat WNV disease morbidity and mortality. Partners in government, academia, and private industry should collaborate to ensure optimal use and availability of current and additional lifesaving measures.