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• West Nile Virus (WNV) is a disease that can occur in a person, provided the person is bitten by an infected mosquito.
• In areas where West Nile virus has been found, fewer than 1% of the mosquitoes actually carry the disease. Less than 1% of people who are bitten and infected ever become severely ill.
• Birds are sensitive to the virus and are vectors for (WNV). The Texas Department of Health tests wild birds such as crows to determine the presence of WNV in a particular area because these birds are sensitive to the virus.
• WNV is not contagious and people can't give it to each other. Absolutely no evidence has been found that people can get it by handling animals.
• The pesky mosquitoes get the virus by feeding on birds that have it. Then they pass it on by biting humans, other birds, horses, or other warm blooded mammals. Most people who are infected with WNV do not have any idea they have it because they exhibit no outward symptoms. The symptoms are mild and may appear to include low-grade fever and headache. Other symptoms may include swollen lymph glands, high fever, stiff neck, muscle weakness, disorientation, encephalitis, coma, and seldom death.
• While anyone can get WNV, people over 50 or with compromised immune systems are at an increased level of risk.
• If you suspect that you have been infected with WNV, you should contact your family doctor.
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