Missouri is seeing its highest West Nile Virus activity in years.
State Epidemiologist Dr. George Turabelidze told Missourinet that one especially troubling trend is the number of blood donors testing positive for the virus.
“We are among the more affected states,” said Turabelidze. “And if you look at what we are supposed to see by this time of the year, hospitalizations and death is 30-40% higher than you would expect for this time of the year nationally.”
He said weather is big contributing factor as well.
“We have (an) unusually warm October and there was sufficient rainfall that prolongs the mosquito season that increases their breeding,” said Turabelidze. “So, there are more mosquitoes around and that together creates the more opportunities for mosquitoes to bite humans and infect humans.”
Health officials urge Missourians to take mosquito precautions seriously — including avoiding peak mosquito hours, wearing long clothing, and using repellent — to help prevent the spread of West Nile Virus.
Turabelidze told Missourinet that the lack of treatment options makes prevention even more critical.
“There is no licensed vaccine and there is no medication that specifically works against this virus,” said Turabelidze. “So whatever symptom you have, you will try to help with that, but there is no medication that goes after the virus specifically.”
Missouri typically sees about 17 cases of West Nile Virus each year.
So far in 2025, the state has confirmed 21 cases — three of which have resulted in death.
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