Current Issues in West Nile Virus Infection

Recorded June 3, 2004

Presenters

Mira J. Leslie, DVM, MPH, State Public Health Veterinarian, WA Dept of Health

Jo Hofmann, MD, State Epidemiologist for Communicable Disease, WA Dept of Health

James Murphy, BS, Communicable Disease Surveillance/Response Coordinator, MT Dept of Public Health & Human Services

The presentation will provide an overview of the ecology and epidemiology of West Nile Virus, the implications of newly recognized WNV-related syndromes for human surveillance and new modes of transmission. It will also focus on lessons learned from Northwest states that have experienced significant number of cases - lessons about education and preparedness that can be applied to areas west of the Divide.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to identify epidemiologic features of WNV
Participants will be able to describe a range of clinical and transmission characteristics of WNV
Participants will be able to list three specific activities that can be implemented at the local level to prepare for the emergence of WNV

Appropriate Audience

Public health professionals at the local and state levels, environmental health specialists, epidemiologists, and health care providers

Mira Leslie is the State Public Health Veterinarian in Washington. She has more than ten years experience investigating vector-borne and zoonotic diseases, and developing collaborations on the the interface of human and animal health. Her international experience includes collaboration in vector-borne and zoonotic disease surveillance with the U.S./Mexico border program, and participation in the Global Polio Eradication program in India.

Jo Hofmann received her medical degree in 1988 from the University of Pennsylvania and is board certified in internal medicine and infectious disease, served as a Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer from 1993 to 1995 at the CDC. She has worked for local and state health departments in New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Snohomish County, Washington. Dr. Hofmann has served as state epidemiologist for Washington since 2001, just before 9/11.

Jim Murphy is the Communicable Disease Surveillance and Response Coordinator for the Montana State Health Department. Mr. Murphy has worked closely with Montana's 60 health agencies for the last 14 years to coordinate a variety of reporting and follow-up activities related to communicable diseases. He has a BS in secondary science education and extensive experience with CDC training in basic epidemiology principles.