West Nile virus (WNV) is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It was first discovered in Uganda in 1937. Mosquitoes become infected when they bite and feed on infected birds, and they in turn bite humans, spreading the disease. The virus was first discovered in the United States in 1999, and has spread throughout the U.S. Since then, it has also been found in the Middle East, Asia and Africa. West Nile virus has also been found to be spread through blood transfusions, breastfeeding and organ transplantation.
According to the National Institutes of Health, or NIH, viral zoonotic diseases are infectious diseases which can be transmitted from animals to humans. The modes of transmission include contact, inhalation, bites or through th...
The West Nile virus has been present in the United States since 1999. The Mayo Clinic explains that West Nile virus is contracted when you are bitten by a mosquito that has previously bitten an infected bird. The virus is not p...
According to a study done on West Nile virus, about 80 percent of those who are exposed to the disease will not develop an infection. You may have West Nile and not know it because you won't feel ill. However, you still should...
Since most cases of West Nile virus are low-level, many people recover with bed rest and over-the-counter medication. More serious cases require pain relievers, but a doctor should make that decision in case other symptoms hav...
While you've probably seen a lot of West Nile virus coverage in your local media, particularly during the summer, the fact is that most people infected by the virus recover without medical intervention. Very young children and ...
Mosquitoes love to breed near pools and puddles of stagnant water. Since mosquitoes are the only known carriers of West Nile virus, you should limit their ability to breed and live on your property.
If you have a birdbath, e...
