West Nile Virus (WNV) Primarily Attention

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What is West Nile Fever and small number of cases have been How can I protect my animal what causes it? spread through blood transfusions, from West Nile fever? West Nile encephalitis is a viral organ transplants, breastfeeding and The best way to avoid WNV is to infection that can cause encephalitis during pregnancy. prevent mosquito bites. Keep horses (en-cef-a-lie-tis) (inflammation of the Most infected people (up to 80%) indoors during peak mosquito activity brain) or meningitis (inflammation of will not show any signs of illness or times (dusk and dawn). Remove the lining of the brain and spinal cord). will only have mild symptoms such as potential mosquito breeding sites (e.g., fever, headache, body aches, nausea, standing water). Avoid or minimize What animals can get West and vomiting. These typically improve lights inside stables during the evening Nile fever? on their own without medical or overnight. Using incandescent bulbs West Nile virus (WNV) primarily attention. Very few people, (less than around the stable perimeter can help affects birds, but can also be infect 1%) develop severe disease. Signs and to attract mosquitoes away from the bats, horses, cats, dogs, chipmunks, symptoms may include high fever, horses. Spray-on mosquito repellents skunks, squirrels, domestic rabbits, severe headaches, neck stiffness, or foggers may be useful; always read alligators and humans. confusion, tremors, coma, vision loss, the directions carefully before using. or paralysis. Severe cases are more An effective vaccine is approved for How can my animal get common among the elderly. use in horses. West Nile fever? How can I protect myself WNV is spread by the bite of Who should I contact, if I from West Nile fever? an infected mosquito (vector). suspect West Nile fever? Mosquitoes become infected when In Animals – Contact your Preventing mosquito bites is also they feed on infected birds. Infected veterinarian immediately. the best way to avoid WNV for people. mosquitoes can then spread WNV to In Humans – Contact your Avoid being out during peak mosquito humans and other animals when they physician, especially if you have activity times (dusk and dawn). Use bite. A bite from an infected mosquito symptoms of severe WNV infection. insect repellents containing DEET if will not always make a person or you have to be outdoors; always follow animal sick. the label directions carefully. Have good screens on your windows and

How does West Nile fever doors to keep mosquitoes out. Reduce affect my animal? potential mosquito breeding sites;

Most animals infected with WNV empty standing water from flower have no signs of illness. Infected pots, buckets, clogged roof gutters; horses may develop encephalitis drill drainage holes in tire swings. and have lethargy, weakness, Change the water in pet dishes and incoordination, paralysis or even bird baths frequently. No vaccine is death. Most will not have a fever. currently available for WNV in humans.

Death can occur in birds. A very small For More Information number of dogs have been infected West Nile Fever with the virus but generally show few is caused by a virus CFSPH Technical Fact Sheets. West Nile signs of illness. Encephalitis at http://www.cfsph.iastate. spread by mosquitoes. edu/DiseaseInfo/

Can I get West Nile fever? It affects the brain and CDC website. West Nile Virus at http://www.

Yes. Humans can become infected nervous system. cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index. with the virus through the bite of an htm infected mosquito (vector). A very Photos from the CDC Public Health Image Library.