In August, Center for Disease Control and Prevention officials announced that the recent outbreak of West Nile Virus was the largest ever seen in the United States. It is also on track to become the deadliest. So far this year, more than 2,000 cases and more than 100 deaths have been reported to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Although 80 percent of people exposed to the West Nile Virus will not become ill, people age 50 or older are more likely to develop serious or life-threatening symptoms.

Nelson Nicolasora, MD, is board-certified in internal medicine, specializing in infectious disease. He has experience in both academia and direct patient care. He completed his fellowship at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich. and his residency and internship at the Yale University School of Medicine Program at Bridgeport Hospital in Bridgeport, Conn. He received a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from Divine Word University and his Medical Doctorate from Remedios Trinidad Romualdez Medical Foundation College of Medicine both in Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines. Dr. Nicolasora currently serves as medical director of infection prevention and control at ProMedica, as well as running his own private practice.

Toledo, Ohio-based ProMedica is a mission-based, not-for-profit healthcare organization formed in 1986. ProMedica has more than 14,300 employees and nearly 1,700 physicians with more than 400 healthcare providers employed by ProMedica Physicians. Its 11 hospitals and more than 306 facilities offer comprehensive diagnostic, medical and surgical specialties in heart and vascular, oncology, orthopaedics, neurology, and women and pediatric services. ProMedica’s mission is to improve health and well-being, with a strong focus on wellness and clinical excellence, as well as innovative, community advocacy programs that address health-related issues such as hunger and obesity. For more information, please visit www.promedica.org.