West Nile Virus Outbreak in Horses in Southern France, 2000
Author Information
Author(s): Bernadette Murgue, Severine Murri, Stephan Zientara, Benoit Durand, Jean-Paul Durand, Herve Zeller
Primary Institution: Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
Conclusion
The 2000 outbreak of West Nile virus in horses in southern France resulted in 76 confirmed cases among equines, with a notable mortality rate.
Supporting Evidence
- 76 cases of equine encephalitis were confirmed among 131 equines with neurologic disorders.
- 20 of the confirmed cases (34%) and 1 of the probable cases (6%) died.
- Most positive samples were reported in September, with the last case on November 3.
Takeaway
In 2000, many horses in southern France got sick from a virus carried by mosquitoes, and some of them died.
Methodology
The study involved laboratory confirmation of equine encephalitis cases and serosurveys to detect antibodies in horses.
Limitations
The study lacked precise data on human cases and the exact number of infected horses with clinical symptoms.
Participant Demographics
The study included 76 equines with neurologic disorders, primarily horses, with a mean age of 12 years.
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