WEST NILE
VIRUS
Minnesota Department of Health
West Nile Virus is spread to humans by the bite
of an infected mosquito. A mosquito becomes infected by feeding
on the blood of a bird which carries the virus. A certain period
of time (approximately two weeks) must elapse after a mosquito
has fed on an infected bird before it is capable of transmitting
the virus to a human or animal. This virus can cause encephalitis
in some people and horses.
This virus usually circulates between mosquitoes
and birds in Africa and Europe. The first outbreak in our country
was seen in 1999 in New York City. Since then the virus has spread
throughout much of the eastern United States, and was found in
Wisconsin and Iowa last summer. This summer it has reached Minnesota.
Most people who are bitten by infected mosquitoes
will experience either no symptoms, or mild illness. The risk
of West Nile Encephalitis to Minnesotans is small. In order to
protect yourself from this virus and other mosquito-transmitted
illnesses follow these recommendations;
* Use mosquito repellents.
* Eliminate water - holding containers in your yard (buckets,
tires, etc.).
* Avoid outdoor exposures at dusk and dawn.
* Wear long sleeved shirts and long pants.
There is no evidence to suggest that an individual
could get West Nile Virus from another person. For example, West
Nile Virus cannot be spread through touching or kissing an infected
person, or from exposure to a healthcare worker who has treated
someone infected with West Nile Virus.
Clinical signs of this illness could include any
combination of the following: fever, weakness, listlessness, stumbling
and lack of coordination, muscle spasms, partial paralysis, or
death.
Most people infected with West Nile Virus will
have either no symptoms or a very mild illness. A small percentage
of people, especially the very young or the elderly patients,
may develop encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
The best way to detect West Nile Virus is an area
is to look for birds that have been bitten by infected mosquitoes,
and killed by the virus. The Minnesota Department of Health is
collecting reports of dead birds from around the state, and testing
some of these birds for the virus. Dead birds can be reported
to the Minnesota Department of Health at 1-877-676-5414. They
will ask for information such as the species of bird, where and
when it was found and if any unusual circumstances were observed.
