WNV is spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. A mosquito becomes infected by biting a bird that carries the virus. You or your child cannot get WNV from a person who has the disease. WNV is not spread by person-to-person contact such as touching, kissing, or caring for someone who is infected.

The West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). Most people who get infected experience mild illness with fever, headache and body aches before fully recovering. In a small number of individuals, the West Nile virus can cause more serious disease. Seniors or very young children are at increased risk of developing more severe symptoms including headache, confusion, weakness, paralysis, and seizures.

No. Birds (especially jays and crows) are the reservoir hosts for the virus. Mosquitoes transmit the virus to the horse, human, etc.

There is no documented evidence that a pregnant woman or her fetus are at increased risk due to infection with West Nile virus.

Anyone who is bitten by an infected mosquito can get the disease. Elderly persons or those with poor immune systems are more likely to develop a serious illness if they are infected.

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.

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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 found in the United States. The virus can infect humans, birds, mosquitoes, horses and some other mammals. West Nile fever is a case of mild disease in people, characterized by flu like symptoms. West Nile fever typically lasts only a few days and does not appear to cause any long-term health effects.

Anybody can get MRSA, but MRSA infections are by far more common among persons in hospitals and healthcare facilities. Less often, MRSA can be acquired in the community. It has been associated with recent antibiotic use, sharing contaminated items, having recurrent skin diseases, and living in crowded settings. Outbreaks of MRSA have been reported among participants in contact sports such as wrestling and rugby.

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.

There is no documented evidence that a pregnant woman or her fetus are at increased risk due to infection with West Nile virus.