West Nile Statistics

There are no reliable statistics available on the number of West Nile cases that occur worldwide; however, in the United States, 4,261 human cases were reported in 2006. Death rates for West Nile range from 3 percent to 15 percent, and are highest among the elderly. Less than 1 percent of people who become infected with the West Nile virus will develop severe illness.

West Nile Statistics in the United States

Important statistics on West Nile in the United States include the following:
 
  • In 2006, there were 4,261 human cases of West Nile virus disease reported, including 174 deaths.

 

  • In 2005, there were 3,000 human cases of West Nile virus disease reported, including 119 deaths.

 

  • In 2004, there were 2,539 human cases of West Nile virus disease reported, including 100 deaths.

 

  • In 2003, there were 9,862 human cases of West Nile virus disease reported, including 264 deaths.
     
  • In 2002, there were 4,156 human cases of West Nile virus disease, including 284 deaths.
     
  • In 2001, there were 66 human cases of severe disease and 9 deaths.
     
  • In 2000, 21 cases were reported, including 2 deaths in the New York City area. In 1999, 62 cases of severe disease, including 7 deaths, occurred in the New York area.
     
There are no reliable estimates available for the number of cases of West Nile encephalitis that occur worldwide.
 

Statistics on Deaths Caused by West Nile Virus

Among those with severe illness due to West Nile virus, death rates range from 3 percent to 15 percent, and are highest among the elderly.
 
Less than 1 percent of people who become infected with West Nile virus will develop severe illness. Most people who get infected do not develop any symptoms at all.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
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