2023 Report Shows 2,770 Cases of Arboviral Disease Across 48 States and D.C.

In 2023, a total of 2,770 human cases of arboviral diseases were documented across 48 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, according to a report published in the June 12 issue of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report by the CDC. The majority of these cases involved West Nile Virus (WNV), which constituted approximately 95% of the total, with 2,628 confirmed cases. These infections often led to hospitalizations, with 2,022 reported in total, and 208 deaths. Most cases (about 91%) began between July and September, aligning with peak mosquito activity season. Notably, three cases of WNV were linked to organ transplants from two donors, highlighting the importance of vigilance in transplant procedures. The second most common disease was Powassan virus, with 49 cases, showing an increase from the previous year’s record. Among children, La Crosse virus remained a significant cause of neuroinvasive arboviral disease. Health experts continue advising clinicians to consider arboviral testing in patients presenting with febrile or neurological symptoms, especially during tick and mosquito seasons, and among transplant or blood transfusion recipients.