West Nile Virus
What is it?
West Nile Virus (WNV) is transmitted to humans and animals by an infected
mosquito. A mosquito becomes infected by biting a bird that carries
the virus. It can not spread from person to person.
What are the symptoms?
Most people who are infected with WNV have NO symptoms at all.
However, if a person becomes ill, symptoms may be flu-like including:
- Fever
- Headache
- Body aches
and sometimes skin rash or swollen lymph glands.
The onset of illness can occur from 3-15 days after an infected mosquito bite.
There is currently no specific treatment for WNV. In rare cases, the infection
can result in a severe illness, such as encephalitis, an inflammation of the
brain. Only a small number of cases have been fatal.
How to avoid mosquito bites and reduce your risk:
- Stay indoors at dawn and dusk, mosquitoes are most active during these times.
- When possible, wear long sleeved shirts and pants when going outdoors.
- Apply insect repellent to exposed skin when going outdoors. The most effective repellents contain DEET. Other repellents such as Picaridin or Oil or Lemon Eucalyptus are also effective.
How to prevent and control West Nile Virus:
Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs on water. Reduce the places where they live and breed around your home (i.e. bird baths, flower pots, clogged rain gutters, neglected swimming pools, discarded tires, etc.).
Report Dead Birds. Dead birds in an area may mean that WNV is circulating between the birds and mosquitoes in that location.
