It's one of a group of viruses spread by mosquito bites. The most severe type of West Nile Virus is sometimes called "neuroinvasive disease"; because it affects a person's nervous system. Specific types of neuroinvasive disease include: West Nile Encephalitis, West Nile Meningitis or West Nile Meninigio-Encephalitis. West Nile Fever is another type of illness that can occur in people who become infected with the virus. Symptoms of West Nile virus in humans may include fever, headache, tiredness, muscle aches, confusion, stiff neck, nausea, and sometimes a rash. Although the illness commonly has affected older individuals, even healthy younger people have been sick with West Nile Disease this year. The incubation period for WNV (the period between being bitten by an infected mosquito and showing the first symptoms) varies from 3-15 days. Anyone who experiences symptoms consistent with WNV should see a physician as soon as possible.

D-fend Against West Nile: Drain, Dress & wear DEET.

Cedar County Public Health urges the public to defend yourself against West Nile virus:

* Drain
o Get rid of ALL standing water.
o Empty, remove, cover or turn upside down any containers that will hold standing water (bottles, cans, tires, buckets, flower pots, etc.)
o Change water in pet dishes, wading pools and birdbaths several times a week.
o Cover trash containers so they will not collect water.

* Dress
o Wear long, loose and light-colored clothing to avoid mosquito bites when outside.

* Deet
o Use insect repellent products with DEET or other FDA approved repellents and follow product instructions.

Q: What is West Nile virus?
A. West Nile Virus is a flavivirus commonly found in Africa, West Asia, and the Middle East. It is closely related to St. Louis encephalitis virus which is also found in the United States. The virus can infect humans, birds, mosquitoes, horses and some other mammals

Q. What are West Nile encephalitis, West Nile meningitis and "neuroinvasive disease" and West Nile fever?
A. The most severe type of disease due to a person being infected with West Nile virus is sometimes called "neuroinvasive disease" because it affects a person's nervous system. Specific types of neuroinvasive disease include: West Nile encephalitis, West Nile meningitis or West Nile meningoencephalitis. Encephalitis refers to an inflammation of the brain, meningitis is an inflammation of the membrane around the brain and the spinal cord, and meningoencephalitis refers to inflammation of the brain and the membrane surrounding it. West Nile Fever is another type of illness that can occur in people who become infected with the virus. It is characterized by fever, headache, tiredness, aches and sometimes rash. Although the illness can be as short as a few days, even healthy people have been sick for several weeks.


Q. How long has West Nile virus been in the U.S.?
A. It is not known how long it has been in the U.S., but CDC scientists believe the virus has probably been in the eastern U.S. since the early summer of 1999, possibly longer.

Q. I understand West Nile virus was found in "overwintering" mosquitoes in the New York City area in early 2000. What does this mean?
A. One of the species of mosquitoes found to carry West Nile virus is the Culex species which survive through the winter, or "overwinter," in the adult stage. That the virus survived along with the mosquitoes was documented by the widespread transmission the summer of 2000.

Q. Is West Nile virus now established in the Western Hemisphere?
A. The continued expansion of West Nile virus in the United States indicates that it is permanently established in the Western Hemisphere.

Q. Is the disease seasonal in its occurrence?
A. In the temperate zone of the world (i.e., between latitudes 23.5° and 66.5° north and south), West Nile encephalitis cases occur primarily in the late summer or early fall. In the southern climates where temperatures are milder, West Nile virus can be transmitted year round.