People are infected with WNv by being bitten by an infected mosquito. The risk level in the province is expected to vary by region and to flare up in the summer and fall depending on climate conditions. The public will be notified by public health officials if birds or mosquitoes in the province test positive for the virus. When people are exposed to mosquitoes in an area the WN virus has been detected they are at risk for infection.

Besides birds, the virus has been identified in horses, cats, bats, chipmunks, skunks, squirrels, and domestic rabbits. Just recently it has been found in dogs. WNV is transmitted by infectious mosquitoes. There is no documented evidence that the virus is transmitted from animal to person.

The bacteria that causes trachoma can be spread easily on an infected person's hands or clothing, or may be carried by flies that have come into contact with discharge from the eyes or nose of an infected person. Because trachoma is transmitted through close personal contact, it tends to occur in clusters, often infecting entire families and communities.

Proper cooking kills the WNV. There is most likely no danger associated with eating well-cooked wild game that might be infected.

The same way humans become infected—by the bite of infectious mosquitoes. The virus is located in the mosquito's salivary glands. When mosquitoes bite or "feed" on the horse, the virus is injected into its blood system. The virus then multiplies and may cause illness. The mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds or other animals.

A blood test can determine whether or not a person is infected with HIV. The most commonly used test detects antibodies (disease-fighting proteins) against HIV. It may take as long as three to six months for HIV antibodies to reach levels that are measurable in standard blood tests.

WNV is NOT transmitted from person to person. For example, you cannot get infected by WNV from touching or kissing a person who has the disease, or from contact with a health care worker who has recently treated someone with the disease.

Proper cooking kills the WNV, therefore, there is no danger associated with eating thoroughly cooked wild game that might be infected.

The principle route of human infection with West Nile virus is through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds, which may circulate the virus in their blood for a few days. The virus eventually finds its way into the mosquito's salivary glands. During subsequent blood meals, the virus may be injected into humans and animals, where it can multiply and possibly cause illness.

Experimentally, it was found that this may be possible. However, there has been no evidence to indicate transmission of WNV to cats or dogs that carry or consume infected animals has occurred naturally. Dogs and cats can get infected by the bite of a mosquito, thus minimizing their exposure to mosquitoes is recommended.

There is no evidence West Nile virus can be transmitted to humans through consuming infected birds or animals. In keeping with overall public health practice, and due to the risk of known food-borne pathogens, people should always follow procedures for fully cooking meat from either birds or mammals.

There is no specific treatment for WNV infection. Full recovery from the infection is likely. Treatment would be supportive (managing symptoms, if present) for animals infected with a viral agent. There is no documented evidence of dog or cat-to-person transmission of West Nile virus. The evidence suggests that dogs do not develop enough virus in their bloodstream to infect more mosquitoes.

Preliminary studies have not been able to detect virus in the saliva of infected dogs. This suggests that dog bites pose a low risk, if any, of transmission of WNV from dogs to other animals or people.

Since 1999, large numbers of North American crows and other birds have become seriously ill and died. Many other species of birds become infected, develop a high viremia and then immunity, but do not become ill.

of Boulder County residents are at risk for contracting West Nile virus ? that includes children, grandparents, and YOU!

People become infected by the bite of a mosquito infected with WNV. Mosquitoes get WNV from birds. Most mosquito bites will not transmit the disease, but it only takes the bite of one mosquito carrying the WNV to potentially cause an infection. There is an incubation time of 5-15 days between the time a person is bitten and the onset of illness.

A. There are no human vaccines to prevent WNV infection at this time, but several companies are working towards developing a vaccine. Avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active, from dusk until dawn. Wear loose fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. Mosquitoes can bite through thin clothing tight fitting clothing. Treat clothing with repellents containing permethrin or DEET.

No. WNV and EEE are NOT transmitted from person-to-person. For example, you cannot get either virus from touching or kissing a person who has WNV or EEE, or from a health care worker who has treated someone with either disease.

West Nile Virus is a virus that was first identified in Uganda in 1937. This virus was first identified in the United States in 1999 during an outbreak in New York. Since that time, the virus has been found in mosquitoes, birds, horses, and humans in various locations in the United States.

Answer: This depends on the mode of the HIV transmission and the lifestyle of the HIV positive person. Majority of persons who are infected through blood transfusion develop symptoms on an average from 3 years to 5 years. With the other modes of transmission when the quantum of the virus is low, the person can remain healthy for 8 to 12 years or longer.

Studies of families of HIV-infected people have found that HIV is not spread through sharing utensils, towels, bedding, or toilet facilities. Behaviors that increase the likelihood of contact with blood from an HIV-infected person, such as sharing a razor or toothbrush, should be avoided.

Mumps virus has been found in respiratory secretions 3 days before the start of symptoms until 9 days after onset. Although mumps virus has been detected on rare occasions for up to 9 days after symptom onset, the patient is most infectious within the first 5 days.

Infection occurs primarily in the late summer or early fall but in southern climates, WNV can be transmitted year round.

Other animals can shows signs of illness when infected with WNV. Horses exposed to WNV can develop encephalitis. Also, certain birds, especially crows, blue jays and hunting birds such as hawks and falcons can become ill and die with WNV infection.

WNV has been identified in more than 103 species of birds, including captive, exotic, and those native to the US

In 2001, 138 birds from seven counties tested positive for WNV. Since sample collection began on May 1, 2002, one bird, found in Kane County, tested positive.

Cases of WNV have been reported in dogs and cats but infection rates in epidemic areas are low. WNV does not usually cause severe illness in dogs and cats. There is NO reason to destroy an animal because it has been infected with WNV. Full recovery is likely and direct transmission of the virus to you or your other pets is unlikely.