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Report Dead Birds
1.877.WNV.BIRD |
Fight the Bite- Avoid mosquitoes!
West Nile Fever in Humans
Most WNV infections are mild and often clinically unapparent. Approximately 20% of those infected develop a generally mild illness. The incubation period is thought to range from 3 to 14 days. Symptoms generally last 3 to 6 days.
How to protect yourself
Avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active.
When outdoors, wear long pants and long sleeves when appropriate.
Apply DEET insect repellent according to instructions.
Repair or replace damaged screens around windows - insure tight fitting.
Remove all sources of standing water.
Report heavy mosquito populations to Vector Control.
Symptoms of West Nile Fever-Humans
Reports from earlier outbreaks describe the mild form of WNV infection as a febrile illness of sudden onset often accompanied by:
malaise headache
anorexia myalgia
nausea rash
vomiting lymphadenopathy
eye pain
Advanced Age Groups: The most significant risk factor for developing severe neurological disease is advanced age. Encephalitis is more commonly reported than meningitis. Approximately 1 in 150 infections will result in severe neurological disease.
Rash: A minority of patients with severe disease developed a maculopapular or morbilliform rash involving the neck, trunk, arms, or legs.
Musculoskeletal: Several patients have experienced severe muscle weakness and flaccid paralysis.
Transmission Cycle |
| How Mosquitoes Are Infected | How Birds get West Nile Virus Bite of infected mosquito Bite of infected soft tick (Russia) Bird-to bird transmission shown experimentally Oral transmission
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Information provided by the California Dept. of Food and Agriculture, Western Institute for Food Safety and Security, Avian Health Program
