West Nile Virus, Second Edition

by Sfakianos, Jeffrey N.

• ISBN13: 9781604132540
• ISBN10: 160413254X
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 2009-12-01
• Publisher: CHELSEA HOUSE PUBLISHERS

Summary

West Nile virus was first identified in Uganda, Africa, in 1937, and was not detected in the United States until 1999. The virus is spread by mosquitoes and usually presents no signs or symptoms. In 20 percent of cases, a mild infection known as West Nile fever results; in less than 1 percent of cases, encephalitis develops, which may lead to death. West Nile Virus, Second Edition looks at the disease's symptoms and transmission, treatment, prevention, and recent research.

Table of Contents

Foreword	p. 6
The West Nile Panic	p. 8
A Foreign Virus Emerges in the United States	p. 13
Structure and Function of the West Nile Virus	p. 28
A Virus Transmitted by Mosquitoes	p. 42
How West Nile Virus Causes Disease	p. 57
Diagnosis and Treatment of West Nile Virus infections	p. 76
Vaccines and Prevention	p. 84
Notes	p. 106
Glossary	p. 108
Bibliography	p. 112
Further Resources	p. 116
Index	p. 117
About the Author	p. 126
About the Consulting Editor	p. 126
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.

Excerpts

In 1999, a deadly strain of West Nile virus struck parts of the northeastern United States. Caused by a virus from the familyFlaviridae, genusFlavivirus, the disease was common in Africa and the Middle East. Today, it can be found across North America, Europe, and Asia. West Nile can cause serious illness, and in severe cases, lead to encephalitis, a swelling of the brain, which can be fatal. This revised edition ofWest Nile Viruscontains new illustrations and up-to-date information, and takes a look at the origins of this disease, how it is transmitted, how it is treated, and what measures are being taken to combat it. Updates to this edition include expanded information on West Nile virus strains and genetic sequencing of the virus, as well as the latest outbreak statistics and a section discussing recent efforts to create a West Nile virus vaccine. Chapters include:

• The West Nile Panic
• A Virus Transmitted by Mosquitoes
• How West Nile Virus Causes Disease
• Diagnosis and Treatment of West Nile Virus
• Vaccines and Prevention.

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Excerpted from West Nile Virus, Second Edition by Jeffrey N. Sfakianos, Alan Hecht
All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.