West Nile Virus

Health officials says 2012 could be one of the worst years on record for West Nile virus in the U.S. All but two states have reported cases of the disease, including 47 deaths, to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How worried should we be about West Nile? Midday’s doctor-in-residence John Cmar delves into the world of infectious disease with this story and others like it. Also, with flu season approaching, a review of what you need to know about getting vaccinated.  
 

Crows.  Credit: iStockphoto.com

When the West Nile Virus spread from Africa to New York 12 years ago, crows became infected with the mosquito-borne disease and started dying by the millions across America. Many people blamed these black carrion eaters for spreading the flu-like illness to about 300,000 Americans. But now researchers say the crows were innocent victims, and West Nile Virus was spread by the more cheerful-looking American Robin and other birds.