Aumento preocupante del virus del Nilo Occidental en Misuri, alertan autoridades de salud

2025-10-10

Autoridades de salud en Misuri alertan sobre un preocupante aumento del virus del Nilo Occidental y piden a la población tomar medidas para prevenir contagios.

<h1 dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.7999999999999998;text-align: center;margin-top:12pt;margin-bottom:12pt;"><span style="font-size: 20pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 700; font-style: italic; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Missouri Health Officials Warn of Rising West Nile Virus Cases</h1><span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Tres residentes de Misuri han perdido la vida este año a causa del virus del Nilo Occidental, mientras las autoridades estatales reportan un fuerte incremento de casos de esta enfermedad transmitida por mosquitos.<span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> <span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> <span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 700; font-style: italic; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Three Missouri residents have died this year from West Nile virus as state health officials report a sharp rise in mosquito-borne infections.<span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">El Departamento de Salud y Servicios para Personas Mayores de Misuri (DHSS) emitió una advertencia el jueves por la noche, instando a la población a tomar medidas preventivas como el uso de repelentes que contengan DEET y la eliminación de agua estancada alrededor de las viviendas, donde los mosquitos suelen reproducirse.<span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> <span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> <span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 700; font-style: italic; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) issued a warning Thursday night urging residents to take precautions, such as using insect repellents with DEET and eliminating standing water around homes, which serve as mosquito breeding grounds.<span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">El epidemiólogo estatal, George Turabelidze, enfatizó que el virus del Nilo Occidental representa una amenaza seria para la salud pública y que el aumento de casos este año demuestra la necesidad de mantenerse vigilantes. Solicitó a los habitantes de Misuri adoptar medidas simples pero efectivas para protegerse y proteger a sus familias.<span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> <span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> <span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 700; font-style: italic; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">State epidemiologist George Turabelidze stressed that West Nile virus poses a serious public health threat and that this year’s surge in cases underscores the need for continued vigilance. He urged Missourians to take simple but effective steps to safeguard themselves and their families.<span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">La infección por este virus generalmente no presenta síntomas, pero alrededor del 20% de las personas infectadas desarrollan una enfermedad similar a la gripe, con fiebre, dolor de cabeza o molestias corporales. En casos poco comunes —principalmente en adultos mayores o personas con sistemas inmunológicos debilitados— puede causar inflamación cerebral, de la médula espinal o incluso parálisis.<span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> <span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> <span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 700; font-style: italic; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Infection with this virus often causes no symptoms, but about one in five people develop a flu-like illness with fever, headache, or body aches. In rare cases—particularly among older adults or those with weakened immune systems—it can lead to inflammation of the brain or spinal cord, or even paralysis.

<span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Hasta el 4 de octubre, el DHSS reportó 16 casos humanos confirmados en todo el estado, con 15 hospitalizaciones y tres fallecimientos. Los contagios se encuentran distribuidos por diversas regiones, desde el condado de Jackson hasta St. Louis.<span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> <span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> <span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 700; font-style: italic; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">As of October 4, DHSS had reported 16 confirmed human cases statewide, resulting in 15 hospitalizations and three deaths. The infections are spread across multiple regions, from Jackson County to St. Louis.<span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Las autoridades indicaron que estos números representan los niveles más altos de actividad del virus en los últimos años. Aunque en el pasado hubo temporadas con más casos, la portavoz del DHSS, Lisa Cox, señaló que actualmente existen “varios” casos adicionales bajo investigación y que los reportes de detección del virus en donaciones de sangre también han aumentado.<span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> <span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> <span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 700; font-style: italic; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Officials said these figures represent the highest levels of West Nile virus activity in the state in recent years. While previous years have seen higher totals, DHSS spokesperson Lisa Cox noted that “several” additional cases are still under investigation and that detections of the virus in blood donations have also risen.<span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Según Cox, Misuri está en una tendencia clara de aumento de casos.<span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> <span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> <span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 700; font-style: italic; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">According to Cox, Missouri is on a clear trajectory toward a higher number of cases this year.<span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">El virus del Nilo Occidental es actualmente la principal causa de enfermedades transmitidas por mosquitos en Estados Unidos. Los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) estiman que más de 1,300 personas desarrollan anualmente síntomas graves que afectan el sistema nervioso central y que más de 130 mueren cada año.<span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> <span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> <span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 700; font-style: italic; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that more than 1,300 people develop severe neurological illness each year and that over 130 die annually.<span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">A nivel nacional, los casos han aumentado aproximadamente un 40% por encima de lo habitual, según datos recientes del CDC. Investigaciones sugieren que el incremento podría estar relacionado con temperaturas más cálidas y un aumento en las lluvias, lo que favorece tanto el desarrollo de mosquitos como su capacidad de transmitir el virus.<span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> <span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> <span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 700; font-style: italic; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nationwide, reported cases have risen about 40% above normal levels, according to the CDC. Research indicates that this increase may be linked to warmer temperatures and heavier rainfall, which both accelerate mosquito development and enhance the virus’s transmission.

<span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">El clima cálido prolongado también ha sido un factor en Misuri. Aunque el verano terminó oficialmente el 22 de septiembre, las temperaturas en St. Louis superaron los 85 grados entre el 27 de septiembre y el 6 de octubre, unos 10 grados más que el promedio estacional.<span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> <span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> <span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 700; font-style: italic; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Prolonged warm weather has also played a role in Missouri. Although summer officially ended on September 22, temperatures in St. Louis reached 85 degrees or higher between September 27 and October 6—roughly 10 degrees above average.<span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Además, algunos expertos advirtieron que los daños provocados por un tornado devastador en mayo podrían haber empeorado la temporada de mosquitos este año, debido a la acumulación de agua en los escombros.<span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> <span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> <span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 700; font-style: italic; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Experts also warned that damage from a devastating May tornado could have worsened this year’s mosquito season due to standing water trapped in debris piles.<span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">El DHSS pidió a los proveedores de salud considerar el virus del Nilo Occidental como una posible causa de enfermedad cuando los pacientes presenten síntomas compatibles y recomendó seguir el monitoreo de la actividad viral a través del sitio web estatal.<span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> <span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> <span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 700; font-style: italic; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The DHSS urged healthcare providers to consider West Nile virus as a potential cause when patients present compatible symptoms and to monitor case activity through the state’s official website.<span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Las autoridades recomiendan a los residentes de Misuri seguir las siguientes medidas preventivas: usar repelente con DEET, picaridina o IR3535; vestir ropa de manga larga al amanecer y al atardecer; eliminar el agua estancada en macetas, canaletas y neumáticos viejos; reparar mallas rotas en puertas y ventanas; y reportar aves muertas, ya que son más propensas a infectarse, mediante la herramienta en línea del Departamento de Conservación de Misuri.<span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> <span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> <span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 700; font-style: italic; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Health officials advise Missourians to take the following precautions: use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535; wear long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk; eliminate standing water from pots, gutters, and old tires; repair broken window and door screens; and report dead birds—since they are more likely to be infected—through the Missouri Department of Conservation’s online reporting tool.

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Aumento preocupante del virus del Nilo Occidental en Misuri, alertan autoridades de salud

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