West Nile Virus Facts

What Is West Nile Virus?    

West Nile is a virus carried by mosquitoes that can cause illness in some people.

How is West Nile virus spread? 

People can get West Nile virus from the bite of an infected mosquito.  Mosquitoes become infected with West Nile virus from feeding on wild birds infected with the virus.  Mosquitoes can then transmit the virus to people or animals.

What are the symptoms of West Nile virus?

Most people who are infected with West Nile virus suffer no symptoms at all.  West Nile virus may cause headache, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, and often a rash.  In severe cases, it may cause an infection of the brain called “encephalitis”. 

Who is most at risk from West Nile virus?

People 50 years of age and older and those with health problems are most at risk for serious illness due to West Nile virus.

Is there a vaccine for West Nile virus?

There is no vaccine for West Nile virus.

What can I do to protect myself from West Nile virus?

Avoiding mosquito bites can greatly reduce your chance of becoming infected with West Nile virus.  To avoid bites:

·        Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
·        Avoid places where there are a lot of mosquitoes.
·        Avoid outdoors when there are a lot of mosquitoes, particularly at dusk and dawn.
·        Use repellents containing DEET (30% or less for adults, 10% or less for children) to prevent mosquito bites, carefully following the label instructions.
·        Keep screens on windows and doors in good repair.

You can also protect yourself, your family, and your community from West Nile virus and other illnesses carried by mosquitoes by helping to reduce mosquito breeding sites as follows:

·        Empty, destroy, recycle, or cover containers like tires, tin cans, buckets, and bottles that hold water where mosquitoes can lay their eggs.
·        Change water in pet bowls and bird baths at least once a week.
·        Remove or empty dishes under potted plants.
·        Stock ponds and ditches with native fish.
·        Cover unused pools.
·        Clean clogged rain gutters.
·        Repair leaky outdoor faucets.
·        Put special “donuts” made with mosquito-killing bacteria in water where mosquito eggs may hatch.

What should I do if I think I have been infected with West Nile virus?

Anyone who may be ill from West Nile virus should see a doctor as soon as possible.  Although there is no cure for the infection, most people who are infected with West Nile virus have only mild symptoms, if any at all, and recover fully with supportive treatment.

What is Cabarrus Health Alliance doing about West Nile virus?

·        Monitoring reports of dead birds of prey, hawks, blue jays and crows.
·        Education.
·        With assistance from the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, trapping and testing of mosquitoes.  Spraying is not indicated at this time.

If you have any questions, call the Cabarrus Health Alliance Health Information Line at 704-920-1213.