History of West Nile Disease
Scientific studies have shown that
the history of West Nile disease began around a thousand years ago when the virus emerged distinctively. From there this virus further
developed into 2 lineages the first of which appears no only in Africa but also is transmitted all over the world. The second distinct lineage,
on the other hand, is only prevalent in Africa.
The next major landmark in the history of West Nile disease, was the first discovery of West Nile Virus in a human being. This
was in 1937 in West Nile, Uganda and the sufferer was an adult woman. From the late 1930s, through to the early 1950s instances of West Nile
Virus in humans were recorded in Congo, Sudan, Egypt and India. The severe complications of West Nile Virus - West Nile Virus meningitis and West
Nile Virus encephalitis were discovered in 1957 during an epidemic in Israel. Elderly sufferers of the neuroinvasive diseases meningitis and
encephalitis were diagnosed with having their conditions brought on by the West Nile Virus. The equine strain of the disease was discovered in
the early 60s and was affecting horses in Australia, and parts of Asia and Europe.
The history of West Nile disease became part of the United States history when instances in the area surrounding New York City
began to be discovered in 1999. Since these first afflictions were discovered in the USA, the West Nile Virus has since been recorded in all
parts of the North American continent, affecting birds, horses and of course human beings. Since these first infections were discovered in 1999,
in the subsequent years there has been a very much increased public awareness of WNV brought about mainly by intense media coverage. Since there
is no cure or vaccine for West Nile Virus, many thousands of people continue to be infected each year in the USA, primarily elderly people who
have weaker immune systems. Less than 1 in 1000 of those infected suffer death as a result of West Nile Virus.
That completes our summary of the history of West Nile disease - for more information including signs, symptoms and treatments
for West Nile Virus please browse the rest of my site.
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