What is West Nile Virus?

	The West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes to birds, various animals and humans. Most person infected with this virus show no symptoms, although occasional infections can result in serious illness and even death.

What kind of birds carry the West Nile virus?

Any wild or domestic bird can be infected with this virus, but some species are particularly susceptive to disease and death from this infection. These species include crows, blue jays and birds of prey such as hawks, owls and eagles. However, based on our current understanding of this virus, it appears that the only significant risk to humans is through the bite of an infected mosquito (see "How do people get West Nile virus?" below).

Where did West Nile virus come from?

	West Nile virus has been commonly found in humans, birds and other animals in Africa, Eastern Europe, Western Asia and the Middle East, but until 1999 had not previously been documented in the Western Hemisphere. The U.S. viral strain is most closely related genetically to strains found in the Middle East.

What are the symptoms of the West Nile virus infection?

Most people infected with this virus do not have any symptoms. Some people experience a mild illness characterized by slight fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph nodes. More severe illness can include encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and is marked by a rapid onset of high fever, head and body aches, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions and in the most severe cases, death.

How soon after exposure do symptoms appear and who is at highest risk for serious illness?

	Symptoms usually appear 3 to 15 days after exposure. Persons who are at highest risk for serious illness are persons over the age of 50. Healthy children and adults are at very low risk for infection.

What if I am pregnant?

	There is no evidence that pregnant woman are at increased risk due to West Nile virus infection.

How do people get West Nile virus?

	The West Nile virus, like most mosquito-borne viruses, is found in wild and domestic birds. When a mosquito feeds on an infected bird, it can pick up the virus and transmit it to other, non-infected birds. Occasionally, infected mosquitoes will feed on mammals such as horsed, dogs, cats and humans, and transmit the virus to them.

If I live in an area where birds or mosquitoes with West Nile virus have been reported and a mosquito bites me, am I likely to get sick?

	No, even in areas where mosquitoes do carry the virus, very few mosquitoes - much less than 1% - are infected. If the mosquito is infected,  less than 1% of people who get bitten and become infected will get severely ill. The chances you will become severely ill from any one mosquito bite are extremely small.

Can I get West Nile virus directly from birds?

There is no evidence that a person can get the virus from handling live or dead infected birds. However, persons should avoid barehanded contact when handling dead animals and use gloves or double plastic bags to discard dead animals.

How can I discard a dead bird?

Place the dead bird in double plastic bags (using gloves or the plastic bags to prevent skin contact) and discard in a garbage can. Birds can also be buried or incinerated, taking care to prevent direct skin contact with the birds.

What will happen if my dog or cat eats an infected bird?

There is no evidence that West Nile virus infection can be acquired by ingestion. Very few dogs and cats have been found to be infected with the West Nile virus even in those parts of the country where infected mosquitoes are found.

How can I report a sighting of dead bird(s) in my area?

Contact you local or state health department if you observe dead birds, particularly crows and blue jays. Health officials will determine whether the event should be investigated and whether bird specimens should be submitted to a laboratory for testing.

Can West Nile virus be spread from person to person?

West Nile virus infection is not transmitted from person to person. For example, you cannot get West Nile virus from touching or kissing a person who has the disease, or from a health care worker who has treated someone with the disease.

How can I protect myself and my family from West Nile virus?

It is not necessary to limit any outdoor activities. However, you can and should try to reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. Reducing the mosquito population around your home and property can be accomplished by eliminating standing water. * Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers.