About West Nile Virus: WNV is primarily spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito; mosquitoes can become infected by biting a bird that carries the virus. Most mosquitoes do not carry WNV and most people bitten by a mosquito are not exposed to the virus. WNV is not spread through person-to-person contact or directly from birds to humans. WNV illness can be very severe, causing meningitis, encephalitis, paralysis, and death. Serious disease usually occurs in older adults and those with underlying medical conditions that reduce their immunity. These severe illnesses represent “the tip of the iceberg’ with most infections resulting in no illness or mild symptoms that include fever, headache, nausea, body aches, and skin rash. Symptoms of WNV could appear within three to 12 days after infection.
To decrease risk of infection:
- Avoid mosquito-infested areas at dawn and dusk.
- Regularly use mosquito repellents containing EPA-registered ingredients such as DEER, picardin, IR3535, or oil of eucalyptus.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are outdoors.
- Check your window screens for holes.
- Do not allow water to collect and stagnate in old tires, flowerpots, swimming pools, birdbaths, pet bowls, or other containers. These are prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools; drain water from pool covers.
- Stock garden ponds with goldfish or other mosquito-eating fish, which eat mosquito eggs and larvae.
- Empty and wash birdbaths and wading pools weekly.