Press Release

West Nile Virus Resources Available

Summer is coming to a close, but mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus remain a threat heading into September. West Nile virus has spread coast to coast with new cases being reported daily. Since WNV activity in the United States often does not peak until September, more cases are expected.

Last year, West Nile was responsible for nearly 10,000 illnesses and 264 deaths. But despite its spread across the country and the serious illness it can bring, large numbers of Americans are not taking the precautions necessary to protect themselves.

“We’re very concerned that many people are forgetting to protect themselves against mosquito bites,” said CDC Director Dr. Julie Gerberding. “We want people to stay healthy – and they can do so by using simple proven strategies to protect themselves from mosquito bites like using insect repellent containing DEET and removing standing water from around their homes, which serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is offering a comprehensive set of resources to help people stay informed about West Nile and ways to protect against it.

• Visit CDC’s special West Nile virus web site – Find the latest West Nile virus case counts; learn about the spread of the virus in the United States through graphic maps; review frequently asked questions, statistics and other topics about the virus; learn what to do to avoid getting the virus; see how to use insect repellent safely and how to mosquito proof your home.
• Listen to audio news release featuring CDC Director Dr. Julie Gerberding. Listen and learn first-hand from CDC Director Julie Gerberding as she urges people to take the West Nile threat seriously and do more to protect themselves.
• Download a West Nile virus public service announcement. Encourage your audience to take steps to protect themselves by telling mosquitoes to “Buzz Off!”

These and other resources can be accessed through CDC’s new West Nile virus online press kit, available at www.cdc.gov/media/. West Nile materials are also available in Chinese, French, Spanish, Vietnamese and Lao languages.

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This page last updated August 30, 2004
URL: http://www.cdc.gov/media/pressrel/r040830.htm

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