West Nile Virus

West Nile Facts

West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne virus that has been found now in California. The virus was first detected in the United States in 1999 in New York City and has been recently been found in southern California.

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 WNV.
The virus is expected to move further westward during 2003.

How do People and Animals get WNV....?

WNV is transmitted to people and animals by infected mosquitos. Only certian species of mosquitos carry the virus and very few mosquitos are actually infected.
A mosquito first aquires 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 host for WNV.The virus is most prevalent from May to October when mosquitos are most adundant!

What can you do....?

Eliminate all standing water on your property and ask your neighbors to do the same.

Screen your windows and doors and make sure they fit tightly.

Minimize outside acitivty at dawn and dusk.

When outside for extended periods, wear long sleeve shirts and long pants and use insect repellant (DEET, follow label directions carefully)

Keep outside lightly to a minimum near entry doors(some mosquitos are attracted to lights)

REMEMBER MOSQUITOES MUST HAVE STANDING WATER TO GROW!

For more information please contact: Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District: 510-783-7744

Or visit the following web-site:

http://www.dhs.ca.gov