Thanks to Climate Change, West Nile Virus Could Be Your New Neighbor

Invasive species aren’t just species—they can also be pathogens.  Such is the case with the West Nile virus.

Though 80% of infections are subclinical—meaning they yield no symptoms—those who do get sick can get very sick.  The virus can led to encephalitis—inflammation of the brain and nervous system—and even death, with 286 people dying from West Nile in the U.S. in 2012.  There were more than 5,500 cases reported that year, and the scary thing is that as the climate warms, West Nile will continue to spread.

Thanks to Climate Change, West Nile Virus Could Be Your New Neighbor