West Nile Virus Map Highlights Ongoing Threat as Season Continues An interactive map tracking West Nile virus (WNV) cases is highlighting the continued threat of the mosquito-borne illness, despite the traditional peak season winding down.

Health officials are urging caution, emphasizing that the risk remains present even as temperatures fall.

The map, [mention source of map if available, e.

g.

, maintained by the state health department, CDC website], visually represents the geographical distribution of confirmed WNV cases, pinpointing locations with clusters of infections and areas with isolated instances.

The data displayed on the map likely shows a pattern consistent with previous years, with higher concentrations of cases in [mention specific geographic areas, e.

g.

, urban centers, areas with standing water].

However, the persistence of cases into [mention current time period, e.

g.

, late September, early October] underscores the need for continued vigilance.

Warmer-than-average temperatures in some regions could be extending the mosquito breeding season, prolonging the risk of transmission.

Officials are stressing the importance of preventative measures, even beyond the typical summer months.

These include eliminating standing water sources around homes and businesses to reduce mosquito breeding grounds, using insect repellent containing DEET, wearing long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk (peak mosquito activity times), and repairing window screens.

Individuals experiencing symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, skin rash, and swollen lymph nodes should seek medical attention promptly, as early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.

The map serves as a powerful visual tool, reminding residents of the ongoing public health concern.

By visualizing the spread of the virus, health officials aim to increase public awareness, promote proactive measures, and ultimately reduce the incidence of WNV cases this season.

The ongoing updates to the map will continue to provide crucial information for public health planning and response efforts.

High counts of  cases are being reported in the U.S. this year, according to federal health data — and health officials are warning the season for this mosquito-borne disease isn't over yet.

As of Sept. 9, at least 771 human cases across 39 states have been reported, according to data posted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this week. Of these cases, 490 are neuroinvasive, meaning they are severe cases impacting the brain. 

West Nile virus is the leading cause of in the continental U.S. While it primarily infects people during mosquito season in the summer and fall, experts have warned a means , prompting greater potential for the spread of disease.

After Massachusetts recently announced two additional human cases, the state's public health commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein encouraged the public to stay vigilant. 

"Infections can continue to occur until the first hard frost of the season, which is likely still many weeks away," Goldstein said in . "We are encouraging everyone to continue to take the necessary steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites, including by using mosquito repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants to reduce exposed skin, and to drain anything that may be collecting water outside your home."

The TheNews data team is tracking confirmed West Nile cases nationwide as new data is released by ArboNET, a national arboviral surveillance system managed by CDC and state health departments. (The map below is updated bi-weekly on Tuesdays when the  latest data is released.)

Most people infected with the virus do not develop symptoms, according to the CDC, but for those who do, symptoms usually start about 2-6 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, though in some cases, it may be up to 14 days. "It may take longer for symptoms to start for people with a weakened immune system," the agency notes.

There is no specific treatment available for West Nile virus, so health experts say it's important to focus on prevention, like the precautions Goldstein shared to reduce the risk of mosquito bites. 

Protecting yourself is especially important for people who are more at risk, including the elderly and those immunocompromised, LaPook said.