As the West Nile Virus season nears its end, authorities nationwide say that the total number of human infections - now standing at 906 - could well reach 1,000. California alone has reported 172 human cases, six of whom have died.

According to the CDC the following states have reported cases of avian, animal or mosquito WNV infections:

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

According to the CDC the following states have reported cases of human WNV infections:

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wyoming.

What Is West Nile Virus?

West Nile Virus (WNV) can be a serious disease. It is established as a seasonal epidemic in North America, peaking in the summer and persisting well into the fall (autumn).

The virus spreads to humans and other animals through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The mosquito becomes infected when it feeds on infected birds. Less commonly, WNV can also spread through transfusions, transplants and mother-to-child (pregnancy or breastfeeding). It does not spread if you touch or kiss an infected person.

West Nile Virus Symptoms Severe Symptoms - Extremely Rare

Only about 1 in every 150 infected people will develop severe illness. Severe illness may include:

-- high fever
-- headache
-- neck stiffness
-- stupor
-- disorientation
-- coma
-- tremors
-- convulsions
-- muscle weakness
-- vision loss
-- numbness
-- paralysis

The symptoms may continue for several weeks. Neurological effects are sometimes permanent.

Milder Symptoms - Affects 20% of Infected People

About 80% of infected people show no symptoms at all. Mild symptoms may include:

-- Fever
-- headache
-- body aches
-- nausea
-- vomiting
-- swollen lymph glands
-- skin rash on the chest, stomach or back

Symptoms generally last from a few days, and less commonly a few weeks.

Useful links from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

-- Use Mosquito Repellent - CDC
-- Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites - CDC
-- Install or Repair Window and Door Screens - CDC
-- Support Community-Based Mosquito Control Programs - CDC
-- About West Nile Virus - Health Canada