Just remember, although the effects of West Nile Virus may seem severe, only 1% of those bitten by an infective mosquito get the severe symptoms. For most, if you have any symptoms, it's just like a mild case of the flu. If your immune system is working properly, you have nothing to worry about! Don't be too afraid to go outside. Just be smart, keep yourself protected from mosquitos and have fun! You shouldn't ruin your summer!
What is West Nile Virus (WNV)?
This is a mosquito-born virus that commonly infects & kills birds. It is most common in crows and blue jays. It can also be transmitted to humans by mosquito bite. It cannot be transmitted through person to person contact. It can be transmitted to some pets and livestock. It is normally not fatal in pets, livestock or humans. It has been fatal in some horses and has severe effects, inclduing encephalitis or swelling of the brain, on humans with depressed immune systems.
Can I get it from a bird?
You cannot get WNV directly from a bird. Birds are virus reservoirs. A common chain of events would be for a bird to get bitten by mosquito carrying WNV. The bird would then become a carrier of the virus, however the bird itself would not be infectious to humans. When another mosquito bites that same bird, the mosquito will now be infectious. If this mosquito bites a human, the human could be infected.
However, if you do find a dead bird you should only touch it with gloved hands. You will not get WNV from the bird but the bird could have had other diseases or parasites. Caution should be taken.
What are the symptoms of WNV?
Symptoms usually occur 3-15 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people who are infected with West Nile virus will have no symptoms or may have a mild flu-like illness with a fever, headache and body aches before they recover. In some individuals, particularly the elderly, the virus can cause a serious illness called encephalitis, which is an inflammation of the brain. Symptoms of encephalitis may include high fever, severe headache, nausea, stiff neck, confusion, muscle weakness, paralysis, disorientation, convulsions, coma and rarely, death. Less than 1% of humans infected with West Nile virus will develop serious illness.
Should I worry about my children? What steps can I take to protect them?
Being by a bitten by a mosquito doesn't guarantee that your child will display any symptoms. WNV only commonly presents a problem in those who are elderly, very young infants or those have depressed immune systems due to HIV, cancer treatments or other reasons. However, you can protect your children by making sure they are protected from mosquitos.
Mosquitos come out around dawn or dusk so try to avoid being outside during those times. If you are going to be outside, use a mosquito repellant. You can try something with a chemical such as DEET or use a more natural product. Avon's Skin-So-Soft is actually a pretty effective repellant. Mosquitos breed in standing water so make sure that all standing water is emptied. This includes water found in potted plants, bird baths (empty and change the water daily) and groundwater.
I found a dead bird. Can I get it tested?
If the bird hasn't already started to decompose, you can call the local health unit in your county. They will recommend you pack it in ice to prevent decomposing and bring it to their offices. Look in the phone book for a phone number (in Little Rock, it's 501-280-3100). They mainly want to test crows, blue jays and raptors (hawks, eagles & falcons) because these are the birds that are most commonly infected. Birds that have already begun decomposing are not testable. Dead birds may be disposed of by double-bagging and placing them in the regular trash or burying them three feet deep.
How can I protect myself?
The best protection against any mosquito-borne virus is to not get biten! The CDC has a fact sheet on avoiding exposure including applying repellant containing DEET, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors, taking extra care to use repellent and protective clothing during evening and early morning (peek mosquito hours) and draining standing water around your house.
