NBII banner
NBII Home

Home >> Wildlife Diseases >> West Nile Virus >> WNV & Human Health

West Nile Virus & Human Health

Most people who are infected by the the virus experience no symptoms or mild, flu-like symptoms. Those at higher risk of developing potentially serious conditions are the elderly and those with lowered immune systems.

The virus is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms from infection generally appear within 2-14 days after the bite of the mosquito.

To minimize your risk of infection, reduce mosquito breeding sites and reduce your exposure to mosquitoes.

Anyone who feels they may have symptoms due to WNV infection should contact their personal physician or local health department immedicately for further advice.

cdc logoU.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - West Nile Virus web site

The CDC is the authority for West Nile Virus and human health issues and coordinate the National WNV Surveillance Program.

Vistors to this site will find general information about this disease, including a fact sheet (pdf), guidelines on avoiding mosquito bites, a publications list and other related links. For researchers and medical professionals more specific infomation is available, such as PowerPoint Presentation

>


This NBII site is developed and maintained by the
U. S. Geological Survey's National Wildlife Health Center

go to USGS website

Text-only

NBII Disclaimer and Privacy Statement | Accessibility |

FirstGovscience.gov