West Nile is a virus spread by mosquitoes that have fed on the blood of infected birds. Outbreaks of this virus have occurred in various places throughout the world since 1937. In 2002, there was an outbreak in North America of over 4,000 people. Areas affected in 2002 included 40 states in the US with the highest rates in Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Louisiana and Indiana. In Canada, the virus was found in Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

The risk of West Nile Virus is highest during mosquito season, which can start as early as mid-April and last until late September or October. While, its important to remember that the risks of being bitten by an infected mosquito are low and the chances of becoming seriously ill are even lower, anyone who is exposed to mosquitoes in an area that has West Nile Virus has the potential to become infected.

Suggestions to protect yourself:

• Use insect repellents containing DEET when outdoors.
• Avoid the outdoors at dawn and dusk when they are most active.
• Protect yourself by wearing clothing to cover your arms and legs and wear a hat.
• Wear light colored clothes as mosquitoes are attracted to dark clothing.
• Ensure door and window screens are effective in keeping mosquitoes outdoors.

Reduce mosquito breeding areas:

Mosquitoes require standing water to lay eggs that develop in a four day period. Breeding areas can be provided even by a small amount of standing water. 

• Practice changing water twice a week in items such as bird baths, pet bowls, wading pools and livestock watering tanks.
• Drain standing water in your yard from things such as pool-covers, saucers under gardening pots, buckets, recycling bins and garbage cans.
• Clear your property of unused items that could collect water (such as old tires).
• Use screens to cover rain barrels.
• Regularly clean eaves troughs to avoid trapped water.
• Consider using fish that eat mosquito larvae in ornamental ponds.

Note: pesticides acquired over the counter are not effective for mosquito control. Pesticides should only be used by workers provincially licensed and trained in the safe application of pesticides.

What is a Good Website for information on West Nile Virus?

Vancouver Island Health Authority - West Nile Virus

What is West Nile Virus?

West Nile Fever is caused by infection with West Nile Virus, a type of flavivirus.

What are the symptoms of West Nile Virus Infection?

Most people infected with West Nile virus show no symptoms or have mild flu-like symptoms lasting a week or less. Rash is common in West Nile virus infections. In rare cases, this virus can cause meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). More serious cases can lead to death.

Is there a vaccine for West Nile Virus?

There is no human vaccine against West Nile virus at this time.

Have there been any cases of West Nile Virus in Oklahoma?

Yes, there were several reported cases last summer

How does West Nile Virus spread?

It is spread by many mosquito species to people when a mosquito has fed on an infected bird and then feeds on a person.

Can I get West Nile Virus from an Infected person, bird or pet?

No. An infected mosquito must bite you in order to get the virus.

How does the disease move to new locations?

More than 70 species of birds can become infected with the virus. As infected birds migrate in their north/south flyways, they carry the disease to new locations.

How do I avoid getting the disease?

Mosquito avoidance behaviors should be adopted. These include:

• Wearing light colored clothing with full length pants and long sleeves at dawn and dusk during peak mosquito activity
  
• The application of a mosquito repellent (click here for repellent information)
  
• Screening doors and windows
  
• Routinely empty water from flowerpots, pet bowls, clogged rain gutters, swimming pool covers, discarded tires, barrels, cans and other items that collect water and that mosquitoes can lay their eggs in
  
• Screen off the tops of rain barrels