ARS | Publication request: WEST NILE VIRUS EXPANSION IN THE US: ARE WE NOW PREPARED TO CONTAIN A GLOBALIZATION OF A SELECT BIOLOGICAL THREAT AGENT

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: March 1, 2005
Publication Date: April 22, 2005
Citation: Linthicum, K. 2005. West nile virus expansion in the us: are we now prepared to contain a globalization of a select biological threat agent. West Nile Virus in North America Five Years Later: Lessons to be Learned, April 20-22, 2005; Ontario Airport, CA; pgs. 13-14.

Technical Abstract: West Nile virus (WNV) has spread relatively rapidly across North America from its introduction into New York City in 1999 to most of California in 2004. Significant public health, vector control, and media efforts have been employed in attempting to minimize the number of human and horse cases. Our collective efforts have been highly effective in limiting human cases. In the last 5 years we have certainly learned a great deal about improving our arbovirus surveillance, vector control, and public education; however, important questions remain concerning how effective we might be in containing the globalization of a Select Biological Threat Agent. In addition to well known threats such as anthrax and smallpox, viral pathogens such as foot and mouth, avian influenza, Rift Valley fever (RVF), Nipah and Hendra, swine fever, Venezuelan equine encephalitis, and eastern equine encephalitis also have the potential for globalization. Are we now better prepared to contain a globalization of one of these select agents; especially should one be introduced in the U.S? Using RVF as an example aspects of the biology, ecology, pathogenesis, detection, drug therapy and vaccination potential will be discussed relevant to currently existing technology for containing an outbreak.