- CHICAGO (Reuters) - The West
Nile virus has been identified in five dead crows in St. Louis as the
potentially deadly disease spreads westward across the United States, Missouri
health officials said.
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- The mosquito-borne virus has killed at least 10 people
in the United States since it first appeared in New York in 1999. It has
spread to about two dozen eastern U.S. states and southern Ontario, Canada,
infecting mostly wild birds. The virus is transmitted from mosquitoes to
people, birds, horses and small animals.
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- Human cases of the disease have been reported this year
in New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Georgia and Florida. In Florida, where
seven people have been confirmed infected with West Nile virus this year,
a health alert has been extended to nearly 75 percent of the state.
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- The disease produces flu-like symptoms, but the elderly
and people with weak immune systems can develop brain inflammation and
die. There is no specific treatment for the disease or a vaccine to prevent
it.
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- Missouri's Department of Health and Senior Services said
in a statement on Friday the coming onset of cold weather could slow the
spread of the virus in the state this year.
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