April Newsletter - 2004

West Nile Virus Research Study Begins
A West Nile virus seroprevalence study is currently underway in the St. Louis Metro area.  The Center for the Study of Emerging Infections at Saint Louis University is the lead institution for the study funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  The study will estimate how many people were infected with West Nile virus in the St. Louis metro area during the 2002 and 2003 combined transmission seasons.  The study will also determine how effective various surveillance methods are in predicting areas that may be at higher risk for West Nile virus infection.

The Center is collaborating with The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the St. Louis City and County Departments of Health on this project.  A sample of approximately 1,000 participants from randomly selected households will be enrolled in the study. 

Dr. Brooke Shadel, Principal Investigator and Director of the Center for the Study of Emerging Infections and Ryan Newkirk, Project Direct, will lead the research project.  The study will continue through the beginning of June 2004.  Please visit www.emerginginfections.slu.edu/westnilestudy.htm for more information.

Have a question or comment? Email bioterr@slu.edu