RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH WEST NILE VIRUS MORTALITY IN AMERICAN CROW POPULATIONS IN SOUTHERN QUEBEC

West Nile virus (WNV) outbreak in North Dakota in 2002 included over 569 horse cases, clustered mainly in the eastern and northeastern parts of the state. The pattern of occurrence observed suggested existence of specific environmental and ecological factors that increased the risk for infection and illness in those locations. We developed a predictive model with factors that explained the pattern of WNV occurrence observed. Results indicated that surface elevation, temperature, precipitation, reported WNV-positive birds, reported WNV-positive humans, and reported WNV-positive mosquitoes were important predictors of occurrence in horses. However, case distance from water bodies was not significant in the model. Future predictive models of WNV occurrence in horses should take into account these factors in order to improve accuracy and reliability. Research into other potential determinants such as horse management factors are required to determine more differential risk factors associated with WNV occurrence in horses.

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Emergence and Associated Risk Factors of Vector Borne West Nile Virus In¬fection in Ilorin, Nigeria

Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases ◽

10.18502/jad.v12i4.352 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Olatunji Matthew Kolawole ◽

Glory Adelaiye ◽

Jeremiah Ikhevha Ogah

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

West Nile Virus ◽

Organ Transplant ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Diagnostic Tools ◽

West Nile Fever ◽

West Nile ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Viral Pathogen ◽

Factors Associated

Background: West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne viral pathogen that is the causative agent of West Nile fever and encephalitis. Diagnostic tools for WNV infection in Nigeria are not well established hence the current prevalence rate of WNV infection in Nigeria is unknown. We aimed to establish the serological prevalence of WNV infection in febrile patients in Ilorin, Nigeria in 2016, and to assess the risk factors associated with the acquisition of the virus. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving the screening of subjects presenting with febrile illnesses. While specific IgM ELISA was used to determine the seroprevalence, a closed-ended questionnaire was used to ascertain the risk factors associated with this viral infection. Results: Fifteen (7.5%) of the respondents were positive for WNV infection. Subjects living in areas in close proximity to trees and bushes (P= 0.011) and stagnant water (P= 0.001) were at a higher risk of having WNV infection. Other risk factors associated with WNV among the respondents include the none use of insecticide (P= 0.001), sitting out at night (P= 0.044), HIV positivity (P= 0.003) and having an organ transplant (P= 0.002). Conclusion: This study clearly shows a considerable WNV infection in Ilorin, with the presence of factors that can promulgate an outbreak, hence a need for further surveillance in the study area.

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