Philadelphia reports 11 human cases of West Nile virus since August

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) reports 11 cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) in humans since August.

Of the 11 cases, health officials say 10 are neuroinvasive cases. Eight neuroinvasive cases were residents over the age of 50 and the other two were a 49-year-old immunocompromised patient and a healthy 35-year-old man.

All neuroinvasive cases were hospitalized. No fatal cases have been reported.

Positive mosquito pools also continued to be identified in the city. The positivity rate of WNV mosquito stocks in 2018 is higher than the historical median rate (35.8% vs 3%) and higher than the rates observed in 2010 and 2012 (19% -24%), seasons of activity maximum WNV in Philadelphia. The increased risk of human infection will continue in Philadelphia until the first hard freeze.

While most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms, 1 in 5 infected people develop fever with symptoms such as headache, muscle aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Serious illness can happen at any age, but people over 60 and people with certain medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes or organ transplants are at higher risk. Symptoms of a serious illness may include headache, high fever, stiff neck, muscle weakness, stupor, disorientation, tremors, seizures, paralysis and coma that may result in death. death. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for WNV infection.