* West Nile is a virus capable of causing disease in humans.
* A key feature of West Nile virus disease is encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain.
* The virus is carried from infected birds to people by mosquitoes.
* There is no evidence for transmission from person to person.
* Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, skin rash, and swollen lymph glands.
» Read more: West Nile Virus At A Glance

The following recommendations can help reduce the risk of becoming infected with the virus:

* Stay indoors at dawn, dusk, and in the early evening.
* Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are outdoors.
* Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin. An effective repellent contains 20%-30% DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide). DEET in high concentrations (greater than 30%) may cause side effects, particularly in children. Avoid products containing more than 30% DEET.
* Repellents may irritate the eyes and mouth, so avoid applying repellent to the hands of children. Insect repellents should not be applied to very young children (under 3 years of age).
* Spray clothing with repellents containing permethrin or DEET since mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing.
» Read more: What can a person do to reduce the risk of becoming infected with the West Nile virus?

First, a community can monitor the bird population, including surveillance of birds that are sick or have died of disease, for the virus.

Second, the community can watch out for stagnant water, particularly if it is nutrient-laden; it is inviting for Culex mosquitoes.
» Read more: What can a community do to reduce the risk of an outbreak of the West Nile virus?

There is no clear evidence that a pregnancy is at risk due to infection with West Nile virus.

There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus infection. Intensive supportive therapy is directed toward the complications of brain infections.
» Read more: How is West Nile virus treated?

All residents of areas where active cases have been identified are at risk of developing West Nile virus infection.
» Read more: Who is at risk for getting West Nile virus?

The risk of infection is highest during mosquito season and does not lower until mosquito activity ceases for the season (when freezing temperatures occur). In temperate areas of the world, cases of West Nile virus infection occur primarily in the late summer or early fall.
» Read more: West Nile Encephalitis: When is there an increased risk for infection?

Mild infections are common with the West Nile virus. Symptoms of a mild infection include fever, headache, and body aches, which are often accompanied by a skin rash and swollen lymph nodes.
» Read more: What are the symptoms of West Nile virus?

The West Nile virus is closely related to the Japanese encephalitis virus and the St. Louis encephalitis virus, which are found in the southeastern and midwestern United States. These viruses are also mosquito-borne and have a similar life cycle in birds and mosquitoes and occasionally strike people.
» Read more: Are there other viruses like the West Nile virus?Are there other viruses like the West Nile virus?

Infected mosquitoes are the primary method of transmission of the West Nile virus and were the source of the 1999 New York outbreak.
» Read more: Besides mosquitoes, can other insects transmit the West Nile virus?