DEAR DR. GOTT: I heard on television about what appears to be an epidemic of West Nile virus. Other than knowing that it comes from mosquito bites, I am really in the dark on the subject. I live in a wooded area that is relatively damp so the subject has me most concerned. What can you tell me about it?

DEAR READER: West Nile virus goes back to 1937 in eastern Africa but was only recognized in the United States and specifically New York during the summer of 1999. However, I must admit things appear to have ratcheted up recently.

Forty-three states have reported the virus so far this year, with the majority of cases being in the southern states of Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana. Other states that pop up on the radar with rather heavy statistics include Oklahoma, South Dakota and California. [Read more...]