West Nile Virus
General Information Pages
The following information is for the benefit of our customers only. It is in no way intended as a definitive medical, or biological opinion from ScreenHouses Unlimited. The West Nile virus has been plaguing much of the New England States and many of the Canadian provinces for over 3 years now. It is real and the average household should be informed. We have provided this information and many links so that you may investigate this potential threat further. Any questions about the West Nile virus should be directed to your State or Provincial Department of Health.
About West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus (WNV) is a virus that is found in wild birds and carried by mosquitoes. It was first identified in the province of West Nile, Uganda in 1937. Since then it has been identified in Egypt, Asia, Israel, South Africa, parts of Europe and Australia. In 1999, it was present in the United States for the first time.
West Nile virus affects wild birds, mainly crows and Blue Jays, and can be transmitted to humans through the bite of a mosquito.
The risk to humans is very low
- Most people who get infected with West Nile virus do not get sick.
- Those most at risk include persons over 50, and those persons with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms include:
- mild fever,
- headache,
- stiff neck,
- muscle weakness,
- skin rash and swollen lymph glands.
In rare cases, the illness may be more serious causing encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
There is no specific treatment and no vaccine against West Nile virus.
Current Case Counts across the United States - as maintained by the US Center for Disease Control
