Vector Borne and Zoonotic Disease
West Nile Virus
The West Nile Virus is a virus that lives in mosquitoes and birds. However, humans can sometimes be infected with the virus if they are bitten by a mosquito that is carrying the virus. The West Nile virus poses a significant health threat that should be taken seriously.
|
Visit our West Nile
Virus |
Click here to view Arizona's West Nile Virus Activity
New! American Mosquito Control Association "I'm One" Program
Symptoms and Treatment
The majority of people (approximately 80%) who become infected with the virus will either have no symptoms at all or very mild illness. About 20% percent will develop flu-like symptoms such as headache, fever, body aches, swollen glands and muscle weakness. For many West Nile virus infected patients these symptoms can persist for weeks. Some people, especially the elderly, may experience more severe symptoms, including high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, and encephalitis or inflammation of the brain.
If you have mild health symptoms that you think might be from the West Nile Virus, you should get plenty of rest, drink fluids, and avoid alcohol. If your symptoms persist and seem like they are getting more severe, call your doctor. If you have a high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, muscle weakness or convulsions you should seek immediate medical attention.
See our Questions and Answers page for more informationPrevention
Mosquitoes
in Arizona can be infected with the West Nile virus. The virus was first found
in Arizona in 2003, and it will be a threat to Arizonans every year. If an infected mosquito bites you, you could get sick. That
means that we all need to work together to prevent mosquitoes from breeding
or poster in Spanish
- Eliminate standing water, which allows mosquitoes to breed. Check for conditions outside the home that may provide potential for mosquito breeding, such as poorly maintained swimming pools, cans, bottles, jars, buckets, old tires, drums and other containers with water.
- Change water in flower vases, birdbaths, planters and animal watering pans at least twice a week.
- Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets, and move air conditioner drain hoses
- Report mosquito breeding problems (e.g. green pools) to your local environmental health office.
You can also protect yourself and your family by regularly using mosquito repellent when you or your family are outside during the night. It is best to use effective and long lasting repellents such as those containing the ingredients DEET or picaridin. Be sure to follow instructions on the label. Wearing long sleeved clothing when outdoors at night will also help prevent mosquito bites.
Note: Some links above are in PDF format. In order to download PDF documents, Acrobat Reader™ is required.