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At least nine people have died from West Nile virus in the United States this season.
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Arizona, Arkansas, California, Idaho, New Jersey and Texas have each reported one or two deaths related to the disease.
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West Nile virus is usually mild, but can cause paralysis or death in severe cases.
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At least six states have reported deaths from West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne disease that can cause paralysis and swelling of the brain.
Arizona, Arkansas, California, Idaho, New Jersey and Texas have each reported one or two deaths associated with West Nile virus this year, making nine deaths in total, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention until September 7.
All but seven of the mainland US states have reported some form of West Nile virus activity, which could mean infections in mosquitoes, animals, or humans. Twenty-nine states have seen confirmed or probable human cases with symptoms.
West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne illness in the continental United States, but most people who come in contact with the virus do not get sick. About one in five people who are infected will have a fever and flu-like symptoms such as headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea or a rash.
A handful of cases each year lead to more serious illness: swelling of the brain, such as meningitis or encephalitis, or even paralysis. There have been at least 136 such cases in the United States this year, according to the CDC tally, which includes confirmed and probable infections.
State health officials across the country have issued warnings and tips for staying healthy during West Nile season. Since there is no cure or vaccine for West Nile virus, the best way to avoid infection is to prevent mosquito bites.
Local health services have reported additional deaths
Some state and county health departments reported additional West Nile virus-related deaths ahead of CDC data.
The North Dakota Department of Health announced on Friday the state’s first death from West Nile virus in 2021, a resident of southwest North Dakota who was over 60 years old.
The Three Rivers Department of Health in Nebraska also reported a death from West Nile virus this week. It was the first death from the disease in the state this season.
Seniors are at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill or dying from the virus, as are people with weakened immune systems, according to the CDC.
Even states that have only seen a handful of human infections have warned residents at risk to watch out for mosquito bites this season. Massachusetts, with four human cases reported in September, raised the state’s risk level to “high” due to disease activity and recent rainfall.
“September is the month we are most likely to see people infected with West Nile virus,” Acting Massachusetts Public Health Commissioner Margret Cooke said in a statement. “While we advise everyone to take steps to avoid mosquito bites, this is especially important if you are over 50 or have an immune deficiency.”
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