• What Is West Nile Virus?
  It is a mosquito-borne virus that primarily affects birds. In humans it may cause mild flu-like illness or encephalitis.

• What is the mosquito transmission cycle of West Nile Virus?
  Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds, which may circulate the virus in their blood for a few days. Infected mosquitoes can then transmit West Nile Virus to humans and animals while biting to take blood.

• Can you get West Nile Virus from another person?
  No. West Nile is not transmitted from person to person.

• Who are at the greatest risk for catching West Nile Virus?
  People over 50 are more likely to develop serious symptoms and those who are outdoors a lot are more likely to be bitten by an infected mosquito.

• 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?
  Probably not. Even in areas where mosquitoes do carry the virus, very few mosquitoes are infected. If the mosquito is infected, less than 1% of people who get bites will get seriously ill from any one mosquito bite are small, but the illness can be serious so caution is recommended.

   KNOW THE SYMPTOMS:

• All residents where virus activity has been identified are at risk of getting West Nile Virus; persons older than 50 have the highest risk.

• Most infections are mild and symptoms include fever; headaches, and body aches, occasionally with skin rash and swollen lymph glands. More severe infections may be marked by headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, paralysis, and rarely, death.

• Incubation period in humans (time from infectious mosquito bite until onset of disease symptoms) is three to 15 days.

• Severe illness and death in humans may occur following transmission by an infected mosquito. West Nile Virus multiplies in the person's blood system and crosses the blood-brain barrier to reach the brain. The virus may then interfere with normal central nervous system functioning and cause inflammation of brain tissue.

   KNOW THE PREVENTION:

• Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin when outdoors. The Center for Disease Control indicates the most effective and well studied repellents are those containing DEET. Concentrations greater than 35% provide little additional protection and lower concentrations may be advisable for children. Read and follow the manufacturer's directions for use.

• Keep screens and windows in good repair.

• Wear long sleeves and long pants if you are going into a mosquito infested area.

• Get rid of any water holding devices.

• Remove or report old tires.

• Empty wading pools when not in use. Clean and treat swimming pools. Remember that water that is circulating cannot support larval growth.

• Make sure gutters on your roof are draining properly.

• Keep grasses and weeds cut short to prevent a day habitat for adult mosquitoes.

• Consider home larviciding products available at home supply stores for problems areas on private property.

• Report mosquito breeding sites or excessive biting to the Mosquito Hotline at 367-8799.