Last update: Feb 18th 2004.
It is a relatively new disease to the USA, but it is spreading and it is taking hold.
As of today, the West Nile Virus has been reported in all but two of the lower 48 states. Washington State and Oregon are those two clear states. Maine has had infections but so far none in humans.
In 2002 there were 4,156 reported human infections.
In 2003 there were 9,175 reported human infections from which 230 people actually died.
In 2003, the worst states in the country in terms of human infections were:
 Colorado with 2477
Nebraska with 1867
South Dakota with 1039
Texas with 663
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Symptoms
Most people develop no illness, estimations are that 20% of infected people will develop West Nile Fever whose symptoms include: Fever, headaches, body aches, and occasionally a skin rash and swollen lymph glands.
It is estimated that 1 in 150 infected people will develop West Nile Encephalitis or meningitis, symptoms for this include: High fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, and paralysis.
It is usually 3 to 14 days from time of infection to onset of symptoms.
The mild form of the disease usually only lasts a few days where as the more severe form can last several weeks and cause permanent neurological damage.
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