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West Nile Virus

WEST NILE VIRUS

WHAT IS WEST NILE VIRUS?

West Nile (WN) virus is a mosquito-borne virus that has been found in parts of Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The virus was first detected in the United States (U.S.) in 1999 in New York City.The majority of people and animals that are infected with the virus have a mild illness or no symptoms. In rare cases, the virus can cause a more serious condition called encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain. The elderly are at a higher risk for disease caused by WN virus activity. The virus is expected to move further westword during 2002.

HOW DO PEOPLE AND ANIMALS GET WEST NILE VIRUS?

WN virus is transmitted to people and animals by infected mosquitoes. Only certain species of mosquitoes carry the virus and very few mosquitoes are actually infected. A mosquito first acquires the infection by feeding on a bird with virus in its blood. The virus lives in the mosquito and is transmitted to a new host in the mosquito's saliva when the insect bites a person or animal.Humans and horses are accidental hosts for WN virus. Human-to human transmission does not occur.The virus is most prevalent from May to October when mosquitoes are most abundant.

WEST NILE VIRUS PREVENTION & CONTROL

• Avoid outside activity at dawn and dusk during the mosquito season (May to October). This is particularly important for the elderly and small children.
• Wear protective clothing (long pants and long sleeves) and apply insect repellant when outside.
• Make sure that doors and windows have tight fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes in them.
• Drain all standing water on private property and stock permanent ponds with fish that eat mosquito larvae.
• Make sure roof gutters drain properly. Clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall.