Public Notice

West Nile Virus Disease

What Is West Nile Virus Disease?	West Nile Virus Disease is a viral infection that primarily affects birds, but can be spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. West Nile Virus Disease usually causes a mild flu-like illness.
How Is West Nile Virus Disease Spread?	West Nile Virus Disease is spread by infected mosquitoes. A mosquito is infected by biting a bird that carries the virus.
The West Nile Virus Disease Transmission Cycle	Mosquitoes (vectors) may transmit the disease to birds (amplifying hosts). Mosquitoes can pick up the disease from infected birds and transmit it to other birds, as well as to humans or horses. Infected humans and horses (dead end hosts), however, do not pass the virus back to mosquitoes during subsequent bites. Click here for a graphic description.
Who Gets West Nile Virus Disease?	One in 300 people who are bitten by an infected mosquito may become sick. Less than 1% of people who are bitten by an infected mosquito become seriously ill. 3-15% of those who become seriously ill may die. Most people infected by the bite of a mosquito will not become ill. About half of those infected will have a flu-like illness lasting a few days. The elderly, infants, and those who have a compromised immune system are most at risk. People over age 50 are at greatest risk of severe illness.
What Are the Symptoms of West Nile Virus Disease?	Healthy persons may have no symptoms at all. Mild illness symptoms include fever, muscle aches, swollen glands, and sometimes a skin rash. Serious illness may be indicated by sudden fever, intense headache, stiff neck, and confusion. In a small percentage of cases, serious illness may progress to coma and death.
How Soon Do Symptoms Appear?	Symptoms usually appear three to six days after exposure.
How Does the Public Report Dead Birds?	Report all dead birds to your local Health Department. Caroline -- (804) 633-6237 Fredericksburg -- (540) 899-4142 King George -- (540) 775-3111 Spotsylvania -- (540) 582-7114 Stafford -- (540) 361-1901 You may be instructed to bring the bird to the Health Department. Citizens will be asked to bring the bird to the Health Department, if the bird is a crow, blue jay, or raptor and has been dead less than 24 hours. Wearing gloves, citizens should place the dead bird into a plastic bag before bringing it to the Health Department. Remember, West Nile Virus Disease is not spread directly from birds to humans. Gloves are used as a general precaution.
How Can West Nile Virus Disease Be Prevented?	Personal Protection: Control mosquitoes. Avoid mosquito bites. Wear long, loose clothing. Use insect repellent: 30% DEET for adults 10% DEET for children Remove pools of stagnant water. Remove or change water twice a week in anything that collects water around your home: unused pools and pool covers birdbaths cans, toys, tires, flower pots Clean out clogged gutters. Visit the Rappahannock Area Health District's West Nile Virus Web site
For More Information	Call your local Health Department: Caroline -- (804) 633-6237 Fredericksburg -- (540) 899-4142 King George -- (540) 775-3111 Rappahannock Area District Office -- (540) 899-4797 Spotsylvania -- (540) 582-7114 Stafford -- (540) 361-1901 Or visit: The American Mosquito Control Association Centers for Disease Control and Prevention The Virginia Department of Health