T2B2

West Nile Virus: What Have We Learned Since 1999?

Speakers:
P. Bryon Backenson, MS, Assistant Director and Research Scientist, Arthropod-Borne Disease Program, NYS DOH
Millicent Eidson, MA, DVM, DACVPM, State Public Health Veterinarian and Director, Zoonoses Program, NYS DOH
Tracey McNamera, DVM, ACVP, Former Head, Dept. of Pathology, Wildlife Conservation Society, based at the Bronx Zoo

Program Description:
Since arriving in New York State in 1999, West Nile virus has spread across the United States sickening 3846 people and killing 230 of them. In the four years since its arrival, the virus has taken a great toll on the bird and animal population and has infected over 30 species of mosquitoes. Primarily transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito, some recent cases of West Nile virus have been identified that were transmitted through blood transfusions and organ transplants.

This program will focus on what has been learned about the virus since its arrival in the Western Hemisphere: the clinical picture (including transmission/diagnosis/treatment), the bird and animal epizootic, mosquito surveillance and control, and prevention methods. The program will also discuss what these four years of experience can potentially tell us about the future of West Nile virus in the United States.

Objectives:
As a result of this program, participants will be able to:

• Describe the transmission of West Nile virus
• Describe current efforts for prevention
• Describe treatment of WNV

Satellite broadcast originally aired June 19, 2003.