West Nile Virus Season Starts Early, Mosquito Population Grows

Boston (dbTechno) - The West Nile Virus season is apparently already upon us. The first cases have been reported as of March 19, making the season start quite early. The early start us due to the warm weather overall in 2008, with mosquitoes increasing in numbers rapidly.

The West Nile Virus season usually lasts from April to September. This year though it got a head-start, kicking off early a month early.

The mosquito population is picking up a rapid pace, as they are able to go from eggs to full mosquitoes in just two-days time.

The Wets Nile Virus effects humans, as well as animals. It starts with a mosquito bite. From there, symptoms include fever, headache, chills, weakness, and drowsiness.

Some also show signs of fatigue or lack of consciousness.

Humans can also infect other humans through blood transfusion, breast feeding, or giving birth to a fetus.

Those at greatest risk are elderly people, as they experience more severe cases of West Nile.

Officials are taking action to try and prevent the risk of West Nile. They use these so-called mosquito fish to eat hundreds of mosquitoes before they can become a part of the population.

Back in 2007, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 3,623 U.S. cases of West Nile, with 124 deaths.