Missouri sees increase in deaths from West Nile virus
Ryan Shiner
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Three people have died from West Nile virus in Missouri this year, according to data from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
The DHSS also says there’s been an increase in human cases of the virus this year with 16, compared to 15 reported last year. There was one fatality reported in the state in 2024. There have been 15 hospitalizations from the virus this year compared to 13 last year.
One fatality this year was reported in St. Louis County, while the other two were reported in Grundy and St. Charles counties, respectively. All of the people who died had contracted the virus from within the state in August, the data shows.
A Wednesday press release from the DHSS says, “West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the contiguous United States. This infection often causes no symptoms, but about 1 in 5 people may develop a flu-like illness with fever, headache, and/or body aches. In rare cases, especially in older adults or people with weakened immune systems, it can cause serious problems like swelling of the brain or spinal cord and/or paralysis.”
The release says residents can protect themselves by:
Using insect repellent with DEET, picaridin or IR3535;
Wearing long sleeves and pants;
Getting rid of standing water;
Making sure windows and door screens “are in good repair to keep mosquitoes out;” and
Reporting dead birds to the Missouri Department of Conservation.