West Nile Virus (WNV) Disease

West Nile Virus (WNV) disease is spread by the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. The infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to humans and other animals. These infections usually occur during warm weather months. In humans, WNV may cause a mild illness but may also cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). WNV was first identified in the United States in New York in 1999.

Go to Communicable Disease Control Page