West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne disease that was originally found in Africa. In 1999, it was detected in the eastern United States; since then the virus has spread throughout the United States and is well established in most states, including California. 

The current West Nile virus (WNV) Risk Rating for Orange County - LOW

How do people and animals get West Nile virus?

Infected Mosquitoes

Most often, WNV is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes are WNV carriers ("vectors") that become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread WNV to humans and other animals when they bite.

Transfusions, Transplants, and Mother-to-child

All donated blood is checked for WNV before being used. The risk of getting WNV through blood transfusions and organ transplants is very small, and should not prevent people who need surgery from having it. Transmission during pregnancy from mother to baby or transmission to an infant via breastfeeding is extremely rare.

Not Through Touching

WNV is not spread through casual contact such as touching or kissing a person with the virus, or by breathing in the virus. 

Which Animals Get West Nile Virus?

An infected mosquito can bite a variety of animals, and many animals will become infected, but only a few species exhibit disease. Disease is seen in a several species of birds, in horses, and man. Cats, dogs, bats, chipmunks, skunks, squirrels, and domestic rabbits have been shown to be infected without exhibiting disease symptoms.

What are the Symptoms of West Nile Virus in People?

WNV affects the central nervous system. However, symptoms vary: 

Serious symptoms in a few people - Less than one percent of individuals (about 1 in 150 people) infected with WNV will develop severe illness. The severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent. WNV infection can be fatal.

Milder symptoms in some people - Up to 20 percent of the people (about 1 in 5) who become infected will display symptoms which can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms generally last for just a few days, although even previously healthy people have been sick for several weeks. 

No symptoms in most people - Approximately 80 percent of people (about 4 out of 5) who are infected with WNV will not show any symptoms. 

People typically develop symptoms from 3 to 14 days after they are bitten by an infected mosquito.

How can I reduce the risk of being infected with WNV?

Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District makes the following recommendations to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes:

• Eliminate any standing water around your house. 
• Make sure all window and door screens on your house are in good repair.
• Wear a repellent containing DEET®, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or IR3535. 
• Contact the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District to report dead birds or neglected pools.