Most people who are infected with West Nile virus will not have any type of illness. It is estimated that 20% of the people who become infected will develop West Nile fever: mild symptoms, including fever, headache, and body aches, occasionally with a skin rash on the trunk of the body and swollen lymph glands.

West Nile virus is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. Some people never have symptoms, but others experience a range of symptoms that can include fever, headache, muscle aches and sometimes paralysis. Someone suffering a severe headache or other neurological signs should see their doctor for testing. Free blood testing for arboviruses is offered by the DOH laboratories. The proper diagnosis is important for a better chance of survival.

Infection with WNV can be asymptomatic (no symptoms), or can lead to West Nile fever or severe West Nile disease. It is estimated that about 20% of people who become infected with WNV will develop West Nile fever. Symptoms include fever, headache, tiredness, and body aches, occasionally with a skin rash (on the trunk of the body) and swollen lymph glands. While the illness can be as short as a few days, even healthy people have reported being sick for several weeks.

Most people who are infected with WNV either have no symptoms or experience mild illness such as fever, headache and body aches before fully recovering. Some persons may develop a mild rash or swollen lymph glands. In some individuals, particularly the elderly, WNV can cause serious disease that affects the brain tissue. At its most serious, it can cause permanent neurological damage and can be fatal.

West Nile virus, which causes West Nile fever, encephalitis and meningitis, is a mosquito-borne virus that first appeared in the United States in 1999. After being found in bird populations in the metropolitan New York area, it has since spread across the United States. As of fall 2006, six birds and one horse with West Nile Virus have been reported in King County.

According to the most recent reports that we have heard, one llama was suspected of having had West Nile Virus, but it was not confirmed. There has been a confirmed case in an alpaca.

A case of West Nile Virus in Los Angeles County was reported on September 6, 2002. The virus can be transmitted by the Culex mosquito, but to date, the virus has not been found and there are no cases in San Diego County. For detailed information on West Nile Virus and what you can do to protect yourself, please visit the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This insect is a Jerusalem cricket.

In last year's outbreak, most people who were infected with West Nile virus had no symptoms or experienced mild illness such as a fever, headache and body aches before fully recovering. In outbreaks in other parts of the world, some persons also developed a mild rash or swollen lymph glands. In some individuals, particularly the elderly, West Nile virus can cause serious disease that affects brain tissue. At its most serious, it can cause permanent neurological damage and can be fatal.

No, People become infected by the bite of a mosquito infected with West Nile virus. There is no evidence that a person can get the virus from handling live or dead infected birds. However, you should avoid using your bare hands when handling any dead animals.

this time, there is no vaccine approved for llamas against West Nile Virus. We hope that by the spring, when the mosquitos are out in force again, a vaccine will have been developed. We will keep you posted as we learn more.