West Nile virus is spread to people by the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus. Mosquitoes get infected with it by feeding on infected birds and can then transmit the virus to other animals, birds, and humans. These infections generally occur during warm weather months when mosquitoes are active.
Symptoms
Usual symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, swollen glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach, and back. In rare cases, it can cause severe disease. Not everyone who is infected will have symptoms.
Reduce Mosquito Population
View a few tips to help to reduce the mosquito population:
- Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in birdbaths weekly
- Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out
- Empty standing water from flowerpots, buckets, and barrels
- Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren’t being used