An epidemic stormed into Nebraska and Iowa just a few years ago. The summer of 2003 will be remembered for an influx of West Nile Virus.
Doctors, scientists and patients have learned much since then, but a nagging question remains: Why do some people become severely ill while others don’t even know they’ve been infected?
Researchers at UNMC are taking a closer look. The medical center is one of several sites for a new study that’s being conducted in the United States and Canada.
“Most illnesses related to West Nile Virus aren’t reported because people experience flu-like symptoms,” said Mark Rupp, M.D., professor of internal medicine at UNMC and infectious disease specialist at The Nebraska Medical Center. “But some develop a serious neuro-invasive disease that can cause paralysis and leave them permanently impaired. We don’t understand why – this study is designed to find that crucial piece of information.”
The three-year study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, was launched last month at UNMC and research centers in Texas, Pennsylvania and Canada.
Adults diagnosed with West Nile Virus anytime within the past four years may be eligible to join the research effort. Participation involves testing of blood and saliva, a brief medical interview and a release of the individual’s previous West Nile Virus testing results.
Those who wish to enroll in the study should contact The Nebraska Medical Center Clinical Trials Office at 552-2254 or toll free 1-800-763-6858.