We are entering a new phase, and we can call it the endemic phase.

The North American West Nile virus epidemic persists.

We're still on the upslope of the epidemic curve.

The virus is here and it's going to stay.

This season's first human case of West Nile virus reminds us of the importance of taking precautions to avoid becoming ill.

We call it a chameleon offense. We just kind of blend in and look one way one week, a different way the next.