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1. How is West Nile Virus transmitted to humans?

The West Nile Virus's main route in human infections is through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Humans and other animals may become infected when the infected mosquito bites to take blood. During this time, the virus may be injected from the mosquito's salivary glands into the human or animal, where it can multiply, and possibly cause illness.

2. What are the symptoms of West Nile?

According to the Center For Disease Control, most people that become infected with the West Nile Virus will not show any symptoms (approximately 80%).

Milder Symptoms in Some People
Milder symptoms can include: fever, headache, and body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph nodes. Estimated that 20% of people who become infected with West Nile Virus will develop West Nile Fever.

Serious Symptoms in a Few People
Severe symptoms include; headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent. Estimated that about 1 in 150 people infected with West Nile virus will develop severe illness.

People will typically develop symptoms between 3-14 days after they are bitten by an infected mosquito.

If you develop the symptoms mentioned above, contact your doctor immediately.

3. Who is most at risk for getting severe West Nile virus?

• People over 50 at higher risk to get severe illness


• People over the age of 50 are more likely to develop serious symptoms of West Nile virus if they do get sick and should take special care to avoid mosquito bites.


• Immunocompromised persons


• People with weakened immune systems are at an increased risk for West Nile virus.

4. How is West Nile virus treated?

Currently, there is no vaccine for West Nile virus and there is no specific treatment. In severe cases, people need to go to the hospital where they can receive supportive treatment such as intravenous fluids and medicine.

5. How do I protect me and my family from mosquito-borne diseases?

• Personal protection and eliminating places where mosquitoes breed are the most successful/healthiest ways of preventing mosquito bites. Protect yourself from bites by using insect repellent, wear protective clothing, and try to avoid outdoor activity at dusk and dawn. Choose a repellent that will provide protection for the amount of time you or members of your family will be outdoors. Please remember to read and follow the label directions carefully.


• Keep your lawn mowed, as mosquitoes normally like to rest in high grass and weeds.


• Reduce or alternate watering so that runoff from your sprinkler systems is not produced (thus not allowing water to collect and stagnate). Also, you can use other types of landscaping to absorb standing water around your property.

6. What are the "Four Ds?"

1. Dress in long sleeves and pants whenever you are outdoors, when possible. Helpful Tip: Spray clothing with repellent since mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing.

2. Dusk/Dawn are the times of day when you should try to avoid outdoor activity because these times are when mosquitoes are most active/feeding.

3. Use insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridine, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. Spray skin and clothing with repellent. Be sure to read label instructions on any repellent.

4. Drain all standing water around your home, apartment, and or business since these are mosquito breeding sites.

• Change the water in birdbaths and wading pools at least once a week.


• Do not allow water to accumulate in the saucers of flowerpots or in pet dishes for more than 2 days.


• Get rid of tin cans, old tires, buckets, unused plastic swimming pools or other containers that collect/hold water.


• Clean debris from rain gutters and repair leaks around faucets and air conditioners.


• Check for trapped water in plastic or canvas tarps used to cover boats or pools. Arrange the tarp to drain the water.


• Fill or drain puddles and ditches.

7. Can I use home pest control products?

Elimination of breeding sites (standing water) continues to be the most effective way to control mosquitoes. Eliminating sites can help reduce the development of thousands of mosquitoes.

However, if the source of standing water cannot be drained or eliminated, then treat the source with a larvacide that contains BTI (Bacillus Thuringiensis Israelensis). Larvacides target mosquito larva and when used correctly will stop the cycle of the mosquito before ever becoming an adult.

These products can be purchased at nurseries or home and garden stores. BTI is environmentally friendly, but it is very important to carefully read and follow the label of instructions before applying the product.