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What is West Nile virus?  It is a type of flavivirus that is transmitted by mosquitoes, that was originally seen in West Africa.  It multiplies and spreads in what is called a host.  The hosts that West Nile reside in a birds such as crows and jays.  When a bird survives infection, the virus multiplies, the birds migrate, and then the bird is bitten by a mosquito again. The mosquito then transmits the virus to humans and horses.  Humans and horses become ill, but after surviving an infection, they don't act as hosts, thus are not infectious.

The West Nile virus was initially found on the East Coast in 1999.  It has been moving to the West Coast rapidly this year. Minimizing exposure to mosquitoes is the best way to avoid becoming ill. 

• Minimize time spent outdoors when mosquitos are most active such as dawn, dusk and the early evening
  
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.
  
• Sparingly apply topical repellant, avoiding contact with eyes and mouth.  Beware that mixed studies are out pertaining to the safety of topical repellants, as it pertains to long term exposure, pregnancy, and long term health. Discuss your concerns with your family physician.
  
• Make sure all screens are tight and secured.
  
• Remove containers that can pool or collect water that can stagnate.  Mosquitoes use this water to breed.
  
• Change the water in bird baths twice a week.
  
• Keep pools and hot tubs cleaned and chlorinated, and beware of water that collects on pool covers. 

Typically, most people bitten by a mosquito with West Nile virus don't experience any symptoms.  Other feel like they have a case of the flu, low grade fever, headache, general body aches, swollen lymph nodes.  Incubation can take 3-15 days, meaning you may become ill 15 days after being bit. People with weak immunes systems are at risk for the worst cases that can result in encephalitis (brain tissue inflammation), and sometimes death.  The severe cases usually present with a more rapid onset of symptoms that are more intense.

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