The virus could survive an expected mild winter and spread further in 2000. Ultimately, it could gain a permanent foothold in the Western Hemisphere. James M. Hughes, director of the National Center for Infectious Diseases warned in October that changing conditions around the world are fueling the emergence of such diseases. As the US faced its first outbreak of the disease, two researchers from the Czech Republic reported on the incidence of West Nile in Europe, including a major outbreak in 1996-97 near Bucharest, Romania. As Temperatures Rise, Mosquitoes Buzz Into New Areas .
Experts cite threat from malaria and other diseases.
West Nile Virus . Page of links maintained by the US Geological Survey. May Be New Deadly Strain, USGS Tells Congress . Overview of West Nile Virus Outbreak in New York City . West Nile Fever .