Discussion Questions

Aired August 19, 2003

Federal health officials warn that the number of human cases of West Nile Virus this year is currently far ahead of where it was this time last year. CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta reports that while we should prepare for worst, the chances of becoming severely ill from the virus are very small.

1. What is the West Nile Virus?

*

*

2. How do the cases of the virus this year compare with the figures from last year?

*

*

3. How have the victims' ages and locations for this virus changed this year?

*

*

4. What is the CDC? What are some of the things the CDC suggests states should do to prevent and deal with the virus? What preventative measures does the CDC recommend individuals take?

*

*

5. What are the mild symptoms of the disease? How many West Nile victims are expected to see mild symptoms of the disease?

*

*

6. According to the CDC, what is the percentage of people who get severely ill from the virus? Why do you think the CDC wants to get this message out to the public?

*

*

7. Do you take preventative measures against mosquito bites? Why or why not?

*

*

8. Do you think level of media attention given to the West Nile Virus is appropriate? Why or why not?

*

*

Related Links

CDC cautions against confusing viral meningitis with West Nile (http://www.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/08/18/sprj.wnv.cdc.viral.meningitis.ap/index.html)

CNN.com: West Nile relative protects mice from illness(http://www.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/08/11/sprj.wnv.vaccine.ap/index.html)

CNN.com: Special Report: West Nile Virus (http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2003/west.nile/)

CDC: West Nile Virus (http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm)

Keywords

West Nile Virus, throttle, CDC, larva, larvacide, DEET, permethrin, immune system