West Nile Virus

Overview

How can I get sick?  

• WNV is spread by being bit by a mosquito that has the virus.  

Symptoms in humans:  

Most people who become infected* won’t show any symptoms or become sick. However, some may have the following symptoms: 

• Fever (when your body gets a little hotter than normal) 

• Headache 
• Body pain 
• Joint pains 
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea (runny poop) 
• Rash 
• Fatigue and weakness (tiredness- can last for a couple of months)  

Other serious symptoms: 

• Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)  
• Meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord)  
• High fever (when your body gets much hotter than normal) 

What can I do to stay healthy?  

Protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites.

• Use insect repellents* while hiking, camping, hunting, or being outside. Ask an adult to help you with insect repellent*.  

• Wear long pants, long sleeves, and long socks when outside.   
• Treat your clothes, gear (boots, tents, backpacks or camping gear), or any outdoor equipment with insect repellent*.  
• Use screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitos outside.  
• Remove anything that will bring mosquitoes into your home. For example, emptying standing water from pots, buckets, barrels, and other containers.  

What to do when traveling overseas 

• Use insect repellents* while hiking, camping, hunting, or being outside. Ask an adult to help you with insect repellent*.  
• Wear long pants, long sleeves, and long socks when outside.   
• Treat your clothes, gear (boots, tents, backpacks or camping gear), or any outdoor equipment with insect repellent*.  
• Choose a hotel or place to stay that has air conditioning or windows and doors with screens to keep mosquitos outside.  
• Use mosquito nets when sleeping outside or if you are staying in a room with no screens on windows or doors.  

West Nile Virus and Dead Birds: 

West Nile Virus has been found in birds such as crows, ravens, cardinals, or jays and the virus can kill birds. If you see a dead bird in your neighborhood, school, etc., please report sick or dead wildlife to Nevada Department of Wildlife by clicking here.  

*Definitions: 

• Infected: When germs get inside of a body, animal, or an organism
• Insect Repellent: Product applied to skin, clothing or surfaces to keep insects away.