West nile virus risk factors
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Risk Factors
Risk factors for infection with West Nile virus include:[1][2][3]
- Outdoor exposure - While conclusive data are lacking, it is reasonable to infer that persons engaged in extensive outdoor work or recreational activities are at greater risk of being bitten by WNV-infected mosquitoes.
- Homeless persons - Extensive outdoor exposure and limited financial resources to acquire mosquito repellents constitute a greater risk factor.
- Persons who live in residences lacking window screens - The absence of intact window/door screens is a likely risk factor for exposure to mosquito bites.
- Warmer temperatures - Associated with higher periods of incidence of the disease
Risk factors for the development of more severe forms of the disease include:[1]
- Age > 50 years - While persons of any age can be infected with WNV, US surveillance data indicate that persons over age 50 are at higher risk for severe disease and death due to WNV infection.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Epidemic/epizootic West Nile virus in the United States : guidelines for surveillance, prevention, and control. 3rd revision".
- ↑ Campbell, Grant L; Marfin, Anthony A; Lanciotti, Robert S; Gubler, Duane J (2002). "West Nile virus". The Lancet Infectious Diseases. 2 (9): 519–529. doi:10.1016/S1473-3099(02)00368-7. ISSN 1473-3099.
- ↑ Soverow JE, Wellenius GA, Fisman DN, Mittleman MA (2009). "Infectious disease in a warming world: how weather influenced West Nile virus in the United States (2001-2005)". Environ Health Perspect. 117 (7): 1049–52. doi:10.1289/ehp.0800487. PMC 2717128. PMID 19654911.