Modifiable risk factors for West Nile virus infection during an outbreak--Arizona, 2010

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2012 May;86(5):895-901. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.2012.11-0502.

Abstract

West Nile virus (WNV) is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the United States; however, risk factors for infection are poorly defined. We performed a case-control study to identify modifiable risk factors for WNV infection. Case-patients (N = 49) had laboratory evidence of recent WNV infection, whereas control-subjects (N = 74) had negative WNV serology. We interviewed participants, surveyed households, and assessed environmental data. WNV infection was associated with living in or near Water District X within Gilbert Township (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5.2; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.5-18.1), having water-holding containers in their yard (aOR 5.0; 95% CI = 1.5-17.3), and not working or attending school outside the home (aOR 2.4; 95% CI = 1.1-5.5). During this outbreak, WNV infection was likely primarily acquired peri-domestically with increased risk associated with potential mosquito larval habitats around the home and neighborhood.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Arizona / epidemiology
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Culicidae / virology
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Odds Ratio
  • Risk Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • West Nile Fever / blood
  • West Nile Fever / epidemiology*
  • West Nile virus / isolation & purification
  • West Nile virus / pathogenicity*
  • Young Adult