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EN ESPANOL
 WHAT IS WEST NILE VIRUS?
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF WEST NILE VIRUS?
HOW IS WEST NILE VIRUS SPREAD?
HOW IS WEST NILE VIRUS PREVENTED?
WHAT IS WEST NILE VIRUS?
 West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can infect humans,
birds, horses and other mammals. In most humans, West Nile virus
infection causes a mild or moderate, short-lived flu-like illness,
or causes no symptoms at all. However in some cases, particularly
among persons 50 years of age and older, it can cause serious
neurological diseases such as encephalitis, meningitis, or
paralysis. West Nile virus first appeared in North America in New
York City in 1999. Since then, the virus has spread across the
continental United States. Visit
www.cdc.gov for
more information on West Nile virus nationally.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF WEST NILE VIRUS?
Most people who are infected with West Nile virus either have no
symptoms (80%) or experience a mild or moderate illness with
symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, or body aches before
fully recovering. It is estimated that 20% of people who become
infected with WNV will develop West Nile Fever. Of these, 1/150
persons may develop the more serious neuroinvasive West Nile.
Some persons may also develop a rash or swollen lymph glands. In some
individuals, particularly persons 50 years of age and older, West
Nile virus can cause serious disease that affects the brain and
spinal tissue. Severe illness may include encephalitis (inflammation
of the brain), meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the
brain and spinal cord), or acute flaccid paralysis (a polio-like
syndrome in which muscles become very weak or paralyzed). Symptoms
of more severe disease may include headache, high fever, stiff neck,
nausea and vomiting, confusion, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle
weakness and/or paralysis. At its most serious, West Nile virus can
cause permanent neurological damage and death. Among those people
who need to be hospitalized for West Nile virus, 10-15% die of their
illness. People who do develop symptoms normally become ill 3-15
days following the bite of an infected mosquito.
HOW IS WEST NILE VIRUS SPREAD?
- Infected Mosquitoes. Most often, WNV is spread by the
bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when
they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread
WNV to humans and other animals when they bite.
- Transfusions, Transplants, and Mother-to-Child. In a
very small number of cases, WNV also has been spread through
blood transfusions, organ transplants, breastfeeding and even
during pregnancy from mother to baby.
- Not through touching. WNV is not spread through
casual contact such as touching or kissing a person with the
virus.
HOW IS WEST NILE VIRUS PREVENTED?
Prevent Mosquito Bites
A single mosquito bite can make you sick. Why take a chance? Use repellent on yourself, your friends and your family.
Many people who are bitten by an infected mosquito won't get sick—others aren't as lucky. Since 1999, more than 30,000 people in the United States have been reported as getting sick with West Nile virus. Occasionally, an infected person may develop more severe disease such as “West Nile encephalitis,” “West Nile meningitis” or “West Nile meningoencephalitis.”
Control what you can.
Improve your odds of avoiding mosquito spread viruses by using a repellent on exposed skin and clothes while outdoors.
Insect Repellent: It keeps you from being what’s for dinner.
CDC recommends Think of repellent as you would an important article of clothing, and increase your chances of avoiding aches and fatigue that come with West Nile fever, dengue fever, or any number of other mosquito borne diseases.
What repellent should I use?
CDC recommends a variety of effective repellents. The most important step is to pick one and use it. DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and the plant-based oil of lemon eucalyptus are all repellents recommended by CDC. All contain an EPA-registered active ingredient and have been studied to make sure they are effective and safe.
When should you wear repellent?
Mosquitoes can bite anytime. Most of the mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus bite from around sundown (dusk) to around sun-up (dawn). Keep repellant in an easily accessible place. Put a bottle in the car, by the door, in a purse or backpack.
Prevention is the best defense against West Nile Virus. Arlington
residents are reminded to enjoy the outdoors, and remember the Four
D’s:
- Dusk and dawn are the times of day you should try to stay
indoors. This is when infected mosquitoes are most active.
- Dress in long sleeves and pants when you’re outside. For
extra protection, you may want to spray thin clothing with
repellent.
- DEET is an ingredient to look for in your insect repellent.
Follow label instructions, and always wear repellent when
outdoors.
- Drain standing water in your yard and neighborhood where
mosquitoes can breed. This includes old tires, flowerpots,
clogged rain gutters, etc. Mosquitoes may develop in any water
stagnant for more than three or four days.
How is West Nile Virus treated?
There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus. Most people who
become infected will get better on their own. In more severe cases,
intensive supportive therapy is indicated, i.e., hospitalization,
intravenous (IV) fluids and nutrition, airway management, ventilator
support if needed, prevention of secondary infections and proper
nursing care.
Who is most at risk for getting severe West Nile virus disease
from being bitten by an infected mosquito?
- People over 50 at higher risk to get severe illness. People
over the age of 50 are more likely to develop serious symptoms
of WNV if they do get sick and should take special care to avoid
mosquito bites.
- Being outside means you're at risk. The more time you're
outdoors, the more time you could be bitten by an infected
mosquito. Pay attention to avoiding mosquito bites if you spend
a lot of time outside, either working or playing.
- Immunocompromised persons, such as persons who have received
organ transplants.
How long does it take to get sick if bitten by an infected
mosquito?
Most people who are infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms or
experience only mild illness. If illness does occur, symptoms
generally appear between 3 to 15 days of being bitten by an infected
mosquito.
Can you get West Nile virus directly from birds?
There is no evidence that a person can get the virus from handling
live or dead infected birds. However, persons should avoid
bare-handed contact when handling any dead animals and use gloves or
double plastic bags to place the carcass in a garbage can.
What is being done to protect residents against West Nile Virus?
The City of Arlington relies upon surveillance, both by residents and
City crews, to identify and eliminate any standing water which could
serve as a breeding place for mosquitoes and larvae. Typically
larvae will thrive in still, shallow water less than 15 inches deep.
Bird baths, pet bowls, wading pools, tire swings or any similar
receptacle with standing water can serve as a breeding place for
mosquitoes.
COA utilizes progressive methods of protection which include public
education, larvacide, and adulticide.
Would the City of Arlington ever spray for mosquitoes?
Spraying or adulticide isn’t the first line of defense against
mosquitoes in Arlington, because for a number of years now, health
authorities have concurred it is a less effective means of
protection against mosquito-borne illness. However, if the problem
does progress and there is a need for mitigation beyond surveillance
and larvacide, the City of Arlington is prepared to move ahead with
a spraying plan.
In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control’s guidelines, which
specify mosquito spraying is most effective when it is targeted and
strategic in nature, the City may consider spraying in an area which
meets the following criteria:
- A cluster of human West Nile Virus cases and,
- Positive West Nile Virus mosquito sampling in a targeted
area
- Concurrent larvacide treatment
Will the public be notified in advance about spraying activities?
*** Advance notice will be provided if a decision is made to spray.
The spraying location, schedule and time will be provided to the
news media and posted on the city’s website.
What health risks are posed to people and pets from pesticides
for adult mosquitoes?
Effect on human health is one of the primary factors considered in
regulation of pesticides. Pesticides that can be used for mosquito
control have been judged by the EPA not to pose an unreasonable risk
to human health. People who are concerned about exposure to a
pesticide, such as those with chemical sensitivity or breathing
conditions such as asthma can reduce their potential for exposure by
staying indoors during the application period (typically nighttime).
A recently published study, (MMWR,
July 11, 2003) examined illnesses in nine states associated with
exposure to pesticides used to control mosquito populations from
1999-2002. This study found that "application of certain
insecticides poses a low risk for acute, temporary health effects
among person in areas that were sprayed and among workers handling
and applying insecticides."
This article can be viewed online.
For more information on pesticides and health, consult the
US Environmental Protection Agency, which oversees the registration of these chemicals. The
National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) can also provide information through a toll-free number, 1-800-858-7378 or online.
Additional Information
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