West Nile Statistics

There are no reliable West Nile statistics available on the number of cases that occur worldwide; however, in 2003, 9,862 human cases of West Nile virus were reported in the United States. As for statistics on deaths caused by the 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.

West Nile Disease

West Nile Statistics in the United States

Important U.S. West Nile statistics 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.

West Nile Statistics for Deaths Caused by West Nile Virus

Among those with severe illness due to West Nile virus, 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.

(West Nile Statistics Continued: Page 2)