Mosquitoes are the main carriers of West Nile virus. The birds bitten by infected mosquitoes travel and help to spread the virus. Healthy mosquitoes in other countries catch the virus by feeding on the blood of infected birds.
It seems that the mammals are less likely to receive the West Nile virus.
In humans, symptoms occur from 3 to 15 days after the bite and resemble those of influenza. In some cases the infection will lead to meningitis, hepatitis or other complication. In exceptional cases, the infection will cause death.
There is no vaccine against West Nile virus. We focus on prevention which is to avoid mosquito bites. Although infection is unlikely by the touch, do not touch a dead animal with bare hands.
After the discovery of dead birds infected with West Nile virus, we disinfect ponds and marshes of the area affected by spraying through the air when conditions permit.
23 avril 2010
| The text above is for information purposes only. Only a doctor can diagnose a disease. No treatment (medication or scheme) should be undertaken without consulting a health professional. |