West Nile Virus
Important Safety Information
The West Nile Virus is a virus transmitted by mosquitos to other animals through a mosquito bite.
The virus is commonly found in Africa, West Asia, and the Mid-East. It was first reported in the U.S. in New York state in
the summer of 1999. As of August 28, 2002, it has been reported in 41 states and the District of Columbia in the eastern U.S.
The WNV normally cycles between mosquitos and birds. However, if a person or animal is bitten
by an WNV-mosquito, the virus may be transmitted to them.
Most humanWNV infections cause either no symptoms or a mild flu-like illness. The most severly
affected patients may develop an inflammation of the brain called encephalitis.
Occupations at risk include farmers, foresters, landscapers, groundskeepers, painters, roofers,
pavers, construction workers, and other outdoor workers.
The only known route of WNV infection to humans is through the bite of an infected mosquito.
No evidence exists that health care, animal husbandry, or other workers are at risk of infection from exposure to animals
or humans infected with WNV.
Human to human or animal to human transmission of WNV is not known to occur. No evidence exist
that WNV can be transmitted from sick horses or humans.
For more information: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/
