Archived Water News Headlines | Health Issues; Water Borne Diseases and Viruses

Since the following archives were originally published in 2003, you may find some link decay when clicking a headline.

Colorado
35,000 With West Nile Virus in Colorado? W. Nile cases based on infections of Colo. blood donors (Rocky Mountain News, 8/30/03) - More than 150 Colorado blood donors initially tested positive for West Nile, an indication that more than 35,000 people statewide might be infected with the mosquito-borne virus.

New Mexico
City's Mosquito-Eating Fish Giveaway Makes Big Splash Gambusia Affinis Doled Out To Fight West Nile Virus (Albuquerque News 6 - 8/31/03) - With West Nile virus claiming another New Mexico life and three more people getting sick from it, a lot of folks took advantage of the city's free mosquito-eating fish giveaway Saturday.

West Nile Vaccine Prevents Bird Deaths (Macon Telegraph - 8/28/03) - The first study of a new West Nile virus vaccine for birds showed that an injected version prevented deaths, federal health officials said Thursday. An oral version, however, was not as effective, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

West Nile Monkey Vaccine Shows Promise (Associated Press - 8/18/03)

Spring Rains and Summer Heat Bring West Nile Virus to Colorado (New York Times - 8/18/03) - Colorado has worst outbreak of West Nile virus in nation this year, as rainy spring and hotter-than-average summer provide foothold for disease-bearing mosquitoes.

Oakland, California (8/14/03) -
Alameda Officials Report First Case Of West Nile Virus - Infected Woman Recently Returned From Colorado - NBC News

West Nile Virus Detected In Mosquito In Arizona -
Bay Area County Starting To Spray For Protection - NBC News (8/13/03)

Colorado Still Hit the Hardest - 5th person dies (8/10/03)
Colorado Woman Dies of West Nile Virus - Associated Press

West Nile Virus hits the West; Mystery Virus just as deadly. Four persons have died of the West Nile Virus in Colorado, and 111 human cases have been reported so far this year in that state. (Source: Billings Gazette). On a nationwide level, federal authorities predict that the West Nile Virus will be much more severe this year than last. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have warned that infections in horses and mosquitoes have exploded, and predict a potentially serious affliction this summer. Half of the deaths — and more than half of the human infections — have occurred in Colorado, which was largely unaffected last year. Officials expect a recurrence of the disease in states that experienced major outbreaks last year, such as Ohio and Louisiana. Epidemiologists said that the outbreak was likely to reach the West Coast in full force this fall, but no cases have been reported in the region yet. (Source: CT Now; Los Angeles Times) Meanwhile, 101 cases of undiagnosed meningitis were reported in Colorado during July . State health officials are investigating an unknown virus that causes strikingly similar symptoms to the West Nile Virus in people. Health officials said most cases of the new virus are mild, but it can cause [aseptic] meningitis. "The virus has hit hundreds of people along the Front Range," said Dr. Ken Gershman, chief of the state's communicable disease program. He did not have a specific number because the state is not tracking the virus. 8 samples taken from patients were sent for analysis this week to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. Patients with the suspected virus can suffer symptoms nearly identical to those afflicted with potentially deadly West Nile virus, including a rash. Other symptoms include headache, muscle soreness and low-grade fever, all of which can be West Nile virus infection symptoms. (Source: International Society for Infections Diseases)