U.S. West Nile virus update, 21 November 2012: No end in sight? Health officials incompetent?

“As of November 20, 2012, 48 states have reported West Nile virus infections in people, birds, or mosquitoes. A total of 5,207 cases of West Nile virus disease in people, including 234 deaths….”-U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

In Louisiana, 15 new human cases and one death in the past week: “Not only do we continue to find more cases….we have three parishes reporting their first human cases of West Nile for the year. Clearly, this virus remains a threat, and it’s important to protect your health and avoid mosquito bites even as the weather gets colder and drier.”-Bruce D. Greenstein, Louisiana Dept. of Health and Hospitals

In Florida, health officials with the Alachua County Health Department are now saying the three people that tested positive for West Nile, when they tried to donate blood, actually tested negative!  But officials with the Duval County Health Department say they’ve confirmed two more people have West Nile virus.

As of 21 November, California reports 424 human cases, 16 people have died.  According to the Ventura County Environmental Health Division, another dead bird tested positive.

Pennsylvania reporting at least 49 human cases.

On 19 November, Texas confirmed 1,763 human cases, up nine from last week.