New York and California are two of the states that have discovered West Nile Virus in mosquitoes already this year. Since 1999, when the virus first appeared in the US, monitoring for the virus has improved, resulting in less cases and fewer deaths.

West Nile Virus (WNV) is a virus spread by mosquitoes (and sometimes ticks) that have become infected from feeding on the blood of infected birds.  Once bitten by an infected mosquito, most people develop symptoms from within 3 days to 2 weeks.

Symptoms of the virus, which causes a mild illness in most people (20%) and in symptoms in many others, include:

• Fever
• Aching
• Rash
• Headache
• Swollen Lymph Nodes

The worst possible complication of the virus is the rare chance of developing encephalitis or meningitis.  These illnesses are far more severe than the mild illness typically experienced, and generally affect those whose immune systems are compromised or who are older than 50.  If you have WNV, and experience high fever, neck pain or stiffness, drowsiness, seizures, muscle weakness, confusion, numbness, or paralysis, you should talk to your doctor immediately.

The best way to protect yourself from WNV is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.  Certain precautions can help:

• Stay indoors at dawn and dusk, when mosquiotes are most active.
• Where long sleeves and pants when you are outside.
• Use insect repellant whenever possible
• Remove sources of standing water near your home, as these are breeding grounds for mosquitoes