USA: CDC West Nile Virus Media Briefing September 12, 2012

[tetano]

A spike in West Nile virus infections in the U.S. this summer has strained the nation?s laboratory testing capabilities, creating brief shortages of diagnostic test kits and forcing lab staffers in some states to work extra shifts or rely on temporary hires for help.

The outbreak has surged to at least 2,636 cases and has caused 118 deaths, officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday. That ranks it as the most serious outbreak to date since the mosquito-borne virus was detected in the U.S. in 1999., said Dr. Lyle Petersen, director of the CDC's divsion of vector-borne infectious diseases.

The epidemic also has highlighted gaps in the system used to track and treat illness outbreaks and epidemics, experts say.

http://vitals.nbcnews.com/_news/201...sses-lab-testing-limits-delays-diagnosis?lite

 

[sharon sanders]

Re: USA: West Nile outbreak stresses lab testing limits, delays diagnosis

Re: USA: West Nile outbreak stresses lab testing limits, delays diagnosis

Thanks Tetano. That article is not entirely accurate. Here are my notes:



CDC West Nile Virus Media Briefing - Lyle R. Petersen, M.D., M.P.H., Director, Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, CDC #WNV #fb

Petersen; Thinks peak of disease has been reached. @WNV #fb

Petersen: West Nile virus is in 48 states- 2636 cases reported, 118 deaths 35% increase over last week, 53% are neuro-invasive #WNV #fb

Petersen: 2012 is highest year in neuro-invasive West Nile cases. #WNV #fb

Petersen: #WNV season will last several more weeks: Use repellents,empty standing water, wear long sleeves/pants, repair screens,use A/C #fb

CDC West Nile site: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/surv&controlCaseCount12_detailed.htm … #WNV #fb

CDC - # of West Nile deaths will go up because the count is a lagging indicator. 8-10% of people who develop neuro-invasive die @WNV #fb

Nasci:Last week got some reports that there was a shortage developing for #WNV test kits. New deliveries happening & there will b enough #fb

Petersen: #WNV outbreaks in '02/'03 had 284/264 deaths. Expect this figure to be reached or surpassed in 2012. #fb

Petersen: For every neuro-invasive case it is estimated that there are 150-250 total #WNV cases.Of these-20-25% develop disease symptoms #fb

Petersen: Do not know if this will be a record breaking year for number of #WNV cases and deaths - it is possible. #fb

#EEUU - Actividad del Año 2012 del virus del Nilo Occidental en Estados Unidos (a partir del 11 de septiembre 2012) http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/spanish/2012casecount_spanish.htm … #fb

Petersen: West Nile Virus is Endemic in the #USA . #WNV #fb

CDC West Nile Virus Media Briefing is concluded.