What Is West Nile Virus?
West Nile Virus (WNV) is rapidly becoming a threat in some rural areas in the U.S. It has been classified as a strain of encephalitis, a severe, permanent, and sometimes deadly viral disorder that can be carried by some mosquitoes.

First found in the United States in 1999, WNV has been reported in 45 states. In recent years, WNV has been responsible for hundreds of deaths. Only in 2003, 262 deaths were associated with this disease in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

However, contracting West Nile Virus from a mosquito bite is extremely rare.

Who Is Most at Risk?
People over the age of 55, young children, and those with conditions that compromise the immune system.
Symptoms of West Nile Virus
WNV’s symptoms usually appear within 10 days after a bite from an infected mosquito. You should pay close attention to:

• Severe headaches
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Disorientation
• Muscle aches, pain, stiffness, or all three

Call or visit your doctor right away if you or someone in your family experiences any of these symptoms.

Tips for Preventing Mosquito Bites
Use an insect repellent like Buzz Busters coils.

For official information, please go to:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - www.CDC.gov