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After last year's serious problem with the West Nile virus, I'm concerned about what we can expect this summer, since most of us want to spend time outside with our families. I have to tell you that I'm so scared my whole list of outside activities has been changed. What's the latest on this mosquito-related disease, and just how serious a problem is it?

L W., Little Rock, Ark.

A Last year, there were 4,161 cases of West Nile reported in the U.S., and there were 277 deaths related to the disease.

The virus is one that is difficult for scientists to forecast exactly where it will appear this summer. It already has been identified in at least 30 states and the District of Columbia.

Doctors say the virus doesn't present a major risk for healthy individuals, but all residents where the virus has been identified are at varying degrees of risk, with persons having weakened immune systems facing the most serious threat--death.

Contact your doctor if you have symptoms of West Nile virus, including high fever, confusion, muscle weakness, swollen lymph glands, rash and severe headache. Officials say there is no specific treatment for the disease, but that severe cases require intensive supportive therapy.

# posted by Medical Information : 2:43 AM