More about West Nile Virus

West Nile virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito, and can infect people, horses, many types of birds, and some other animals. Human illness from West Nile virus is rare, even in areas where the virus has been reported, and cannot be spread from one person to another.

Most people who are infected with West Nile virus will have either no symptoms or only mild ones. Some will fall ill 3 to 15 days after the bite of an infected mosquito, most often developing fever, headache, body aches, and sometimes skin rash and swollen glands. This mild form of the infection has no known long-term effects.

However, on rare occasions, West Nile virus infection can result in severe and sometimes fatal illnesses. West Nile encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain that may be marked by headache, high fever, stiff neck, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, and paralysis. Persons with severe or unusual headaches should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

There is no evidence to suggest that West Nile virus can be spread from person-to-person or from an animal to a person. Mosquitoes become infected with West Nile virus when they feed on a bird carrying the virus in its blood. After 10 to 14 days, the virus can be transmitted through the mosquito’s saliva to another bird, person, or other animal that the mosquito bites. Horses seem especially susceptible. Dogs seem to have a natural immunity to the disease, and rarely display symptoms. Cats on the other hand can become quite ill.

The main role people play in contributing to the continuing cycle of West Nile virus is by maintaining environments such as standing water in which mosquitoes can lay eggs. To avoid helping mosquitoes breed in your environment, drain standing water. Routinely empty water from flower pots, pet bowls, clogged rain gutters, swimming pool covers, discarded tires, buckets, barrels, cans, and other items that collect water in which mosquitoes can lay eggs.

To report mosquito problems call the Mosquito Hot line at 303-558-8730. Check out www.fightthebitecolorado or call 1-877-462-2911 for more information about West Nile Virus.