How Do People Get Infected with West Nile Virus?
WNV most commonly spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito. WNV has also been transmitted through blood transfusions, organ transplants, breastfeeding and during pregnancy from mother to baby in a very small number of cases.
WNV is not transmitted from person-to-person. For example, you cannot get the virus from touching or kissing a person who has the disease or from a health care worker who has treated someone with WNV.
Mosquitoes that spread WNV are common around human habitats and can be found in all states in the contiguous United States. These mosquitoes breed in standing water and are most active at dusk and dawn. Mosquitoes become infected with WNV when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes then spread WNV to people and other animals by biting them.
For more information, visit Transmission of West Nile Virus 
.
Can WNV Spread Through Dead Animals?
There is no evidence that a person can get WNV from handling infected live or dead animals. As a general precaution, always wear gloves when handling dead animals, including dead birds, and use double plastic bags when disposing of them in the trash.
What are the Symptoms of WNV?
Symptoms usually start 2 to 6 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Most people infected with WNV will not experience any symptoms, but some may experience mild or severe illness.
Mild Illness
| Severe Illness
|
Flu-like symptoms, such as:
- Fever
- Body aches
- Joint pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Rash
Most people with mild illness recover completely.
| Symptoms include:
- High fever
- Headache and neck stiffness
- Stupor or disorientation
- Coma
- Tremors or convulsions
- Muscle weakness or paralysis
- Vision loss
- Numbness
Severe illness can affect the central nervous system and may result in hospitalization or death.
|
How is WNV Treated?
Seek medical attention if you experience the symptoms described above and have been in an area with WNV activity.
No human vaccine or specific antiviral treatment is available for WNV infection. Treatment is mainly supportive, directed at relieving the symptoms and preventing complications. Although mild WNV illness improves on its own, pregnant women and nursing mothers should talk to their doctor if they develop symptoms that could be from WNV.
For more information, visit Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment .
How Can I Prevent WNV Infection?
The best way to protect yourself from WNV is to prevent mosquito bites. Recommended prevention measures include:
- Minimize time outdoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes that transmit WNV are most active
- Use the DOD Insect Repellent System
- Eliminate mosquito breeding sites
DOD Insect Repellent System
The DOD Insect Repellent System is an effective way to protect military personnel from pests and insect-borne diseases. The systems incorporates:
- An insect repellent treated uniform
- Wearing the uniform properly
- Applying insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, or IR3535 to exposed skin
- Sleeping inside an insect repellent treated bed net
Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites
Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors by–
- Using screens on windows and doors
- Ensuring screens do not have holes
- Using air conditioning, if possible
- Draining all standing water
- Completing once a week: empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out items that hold water. Some examples are tires, buckets, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, or trash containers.
