West Nile Virus Information
West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus that is commonly found in Africa, West Asia, the Middle East, and recently in the United States. The WNV can cause encephalitis (swelling of the brain) and meningitis (swelling of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). Most who are infected with the WNV have no symptoms or experience very mild symptoms. Mild symptoms include a fever, headache, and body aches, occasionally with a skin rash on the trunk of the body and swollen lymph glands. Less than 1% of infected people with WNV will develop severe symptoms. Severe symptoms include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, and paralysis. The onset of symptoms is 3 to 14 days. Symptoms of mild disease will generally last a few days. Symptoms of severe disease may last several weeks, although neurological effects may be permanent.
Below are links to additional information on WNV.
- Mosquito and West Nile Virus Quiz
- Personal Protection Against Mosquitoes
- WNV Brochure
- Protect Your Home Against Mosquitoes - Poster
- WNV Surveillance Data for Illinois - IDPH Web Site
- Dead Bird Collection and Bird Pictures - IDPH Web Site
- Clarke Mosquito Control: Public Awareness
For questions about community mosquito programs, contact the Clarke Mosquito Hotline at 1-800-942-2555.
- West Nile Virus: Reducing the Risk - FDA Consumer Magazine
- Centers for Disease Control WNV site
- University of Illinois Extension Service WNV information
- Neato Mosquito: An Elementary Curriculum Guide and Interactive Lessons on CD-ROM
- WNV Mosquito Trap Surveillance Map
Neato Mosquito is designed to teach 4th grade students about mosquito biology and the prevention of La Crosse encephalitis. Even though the program does not discuss West Nile Virus, the mosquito prevention message is appropriate for reducing mosquito risks around homes.