NEWSROOM

Newsroom Stories

Medicine & Health

The United States braces for another summer coping with West Nile Virus

*Culex pipiens*, a breed of mosquito known to carry the West Nile VirusIt was a cold winter in much of the country. That’s bad news for mosquitoes, but a wet spring in much of the United States will be a benefit to the buzzing bugs. Vector control specialists have plans in place to eradicate as many mosquitoes as possible, in part to prevent another summer of the West Nile Virus. In 2002, there were more than 4,000 cases reported in the United States, and almost 300 people died. The virus also decimated bird populations. This summer Michael Diamond, M.D., Ph.D., an infectious disease specialist at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, believes the situation could worsen if the virus continues to be carried by mosquitoes that bite humans more than birds. Most cases in the United States still involve livestock, and a vaccine for animals recently was approved, but no vaccine exists for humans.

From a Nobel Prize winner to a 13-time Gold Glove holder, Washington University in St. Louis awards honorary degrees to six stellar people

One holds a Nobel Prize; another 13 Gold Gloves. One has a performing arts center named after her; another has a star bearing his name embedded in the St. Louis Walk of Fame. From a former U.S. secretary of state to a former head of a university, the six notable people selected to receive honorary degrees from Washington University in St. Louis at its 142nd Commencement all stand out in their respective fields.

Savor the memories at Commencement

The day that more than 2,500 students — and even more parents — have been waiting for is finally here. Nearly 10,000 people will share in the tradition and excitement of the University’s 142nd Commencement today in Brookings Quadrangle.
View More Stories