West Nile Virus
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West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus transmitted to people through a bite from an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected with WNV when they feed on the blood of infected birds. The virus incubates in the mosquito for a few days, and then can be transmitted to humans and other animals when the infected mosquito bites to take a blood meal. WNV is not transmitted from birds to humans or from human to human.
Symptoms and Treatment of West Nile Virus
Most WNV infections are mild and may include:
- skin rash
- swollen glands
- body aches
- headache
More severe symptoms may include:
- stiff neck
- high fever
- headache
- disorientation
- muscle weakness
- paralysis
- and rarely, - death
Some people infected with WNV will not show symptoms. The elderly and immunocompromised individuals have the greatest risk of severe illness from WNV.
There is no specific treatment for WNV and most people recover within two weeks.
Reducing Your Risk to West Nile Virus
Remove sources of standing water, since mosquitoes lay their eggs only in water. Prevent mosquito reproduction lessen the chances of being infected by WNV.
- Avoid stagnate water in birdbaths.
- Turn over wheel-barrows and plastic wading pools when not in use.
- Take away tires on your property--they are a major breeding site for mosquitoes.
- Stay indoors at dawn, dusk and early evening; otherwise wear long sleeves and pants as protection.
- Keep window and door screens are in good condition.
- Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin and thin clothing. Use the repellent according to the manufacturers directions. An effective repellent will contain 20-30% DEET. Avoid using products which contain more than 35% DEET. DO NOT USE INSECT REPELLENTS ON CHILDREN LESS THAN THREE (3) YEARS OF AGE.
What to Do with Dead Birds
If you find a dead bird on your property, contact your local health department. But birds can die of many different causes so finding a dead bird does not necessarily mean that the virus is present. Crows are more susceptible to illness and death from WNV. Thus, the NJ Department of Health and Human Services is accepting crows for testing. Remember, WNV is not spread directly from birds to humans.
Pesticide Spraying
Some local municipalities might begin spraying with a pesticide in order to prevent the spread of WNV. To view the spraying schedule, call the local or visit their websites. Rutgers University will not have advance notice of spraying schedules in any areas, including those surrounding University Property.
For More Information
| Middlesex County Department of Health http://co.middlesex.nj.us |
732/745-3100 |
| Edison Health Department | 732/248-7270 |
| New Brunswick Health Department | 732/745-5021 |
| Piscataway Health Department | 732/562-2323 |
| Camden County Health Department | 856/374-6000 or 800-999-9045 |
| Camden City Health Department | 856/757/7285 |
| Newark Health Department http://www.state.nj.us/health/cd/westnile/enceph.htm |
973/733-7592 |
http://www.state.nj.us/health/cd/westnile/enceph.htm
The information contained in this fact sheet was adapted from the Middlesex County Department of Health website.
Last Modified 12/22/2005