How old is West Nile Virus?
The virus was first isolated in Uganda s West Nile district in 1937. In the past decade, outbreaks also were reported in Romania, Italy and Russia. The virus is transmitted among birds and to human beings by infected mosquitoes. When was the first North American case of West Nile Virus reported? In 1999 in New York City. Authorities do not know how the virus reached New York City, although theories include human-transported mosquito or storm-transported bird. When does Oregon expect to see its first case of West Nile Virus? By this spring or summer. Before Jan. 1, 2002, the virus was isolated to states east of the Mississippi. Now, Oregon is among only four states in the continental U.S. to have no reported cases; the virus has been reported in Washington, Idaho and California. Fifty-four percent of U.S. cases have occurred in Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan and Ohio. What are the symptoms? Eighty to 90 percent of cases result in no illness or only mild symptoms. In 10 percent to 20 perc
