West Nile Virus Costs Country Close to $800 Million

A recent study suggests that the economic impact of the West Nile virus may hold a more significant economic burden that previously thought.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of 1999 in the United States, the mosquito-borne illness has cost the country close to $800 million. Past studies have only relatively looked at initial hospitalizations and treatments. However, this new report examines extended health issues possibly needed by those infected as well as long-term loss of productivity, according to CBS News.

"Many hospitalized patients will incur additional medical and indirect costs," said lead study author Dr. J Erin Staples, a CDC medical epidemiologist, via the news organization. "Only with accurate figures can public health , academic and industry officials determine the cost effectiveness of local mosquito control measures, or of developing new drugs and vaccines."

The high price burdened on the country comes in part due to treatments for people who may develop serious neurological problems when the virus infects the nerves. In such cases, West Nile can cause seizures, paralysis of the limbs-also known as acute flaccid paralysis-coma, brain swelling or spinal cord swelling and even death.

Fortunately, these illnesses from West Nile are rare and occurring in less than 1 percent of infections. But they do still happen with symptoms and treatments that can last for months to years.

While there is no cure for the West Nile virus or absolute protective method, ways to protect yourself may include avoiding bites, keeping outdoor and indoor work and play areas clean and open spaces free of water, which are often times breeding grounds for mosquitoes, and helping community members take care of the problem with similar issues.

More information regarding these recent findings can be seen via the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.