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What is West Nile Virus?
West Nile Virus (WNV) is a disease that is spread by
mosquitoes. WNV first appeared in the United States
in 1999. Since then it has spread across the United
States to California. Since then, WNV has continued
to occur during the height of mosquito season. The
impact varies from region to region.
What are the symptoms of West Nile Virus?
Most healthy people who become infected with the
virus don’t have any symptoms. Mild symptoms
include fever, headache and body aches, and
sometimes a skin rash and swollen lymph glands.
Severe symptoms include high fever, neck stiffness,
disorientation, convulsions, muscle weakness, coma,
and paralysis. This severe form of the disease may last
several weeks and some nervous system effects may
be permanent. A small number of cases are fatal.
People over 50 years of age have the highest risk of
severe disease.
How is the West Nile Virus spread?
Birds are the main carriers of WNV. When a mosquito
bites an infected bird, the mosquito can then spread
the virus by biting another bird or a human. West Nile
virus is not contagious; there is no current evidence it
is spread person to person.
How is West Nile Virus treated?
Mild cases respond well to the same kinds of common
treatments used for headache, fever and body aches.
The more severe forms of the illness usually require
hospitalization. In rare situations, WNV can cause
death. There is currently no vaccine for humans
against WNV.
What prevention and protection against WNV is
there?
Alameda County Public health Dept. 5/5/11
Adapted from Santa Clara Valley Health & Hospital System Public Health Department and Contra Costa County Health Services
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
recommends the following three steps to reduce your
West Nile virus risk:
1. Avoid Mosquito Bites
• Spray. Use insect repellent that has DEET on
exposed skin when you go outdoors. Be sure to read
and follow the manufacturer’s DIRECTIONS FOR
USE, especially when using on children.
• Cover up. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and
socks while outdoors.
• Avoid mosquitoes. Many mosquitoes bite during
dusk and dawn. Limit time outdoors during these
hours. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks
when outdoors.
2. Mosquito-Proof Your Home
• Fix screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by repairing
holes in screen or installing door screens.
• Drain standing water. Any small amount of standing
water can be enough for a mosquito to lay eggs.
• Be vigilant. Empty water from buckets, cans, pool
covers, flowerpots, birdbaths and other items. Throw
away or cover up stored tires. Clean pet or livestock
bowls weekly. Check for clogged rain gutters.
3. Help Your Community
• Report dead birds. Dead birds can help identify if
WNV is present. Call the Vector Control District to
report the location of a dead bird.
• Identify standing water. Encourage your neighbors
to empty standing water. Notify the Vector Control
District to report neglected pools, ponds or other
standing water.
4. Report a Dead Bird
Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District:
510 783-7744
City of Albany only: Vector Control – 510
567.7800
California Dept. of Health Services:
877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473) or go online
to report a dead bird or squirrel.
Want more information?
Alameda County Mosquito Abatement
Vector Control
California Dept. of Public Health
Centers for Disease Control