| Where did it come from? | | | | weakened immune systems or chronic disease |
| The West Nile virus was first isolated in 1937 in | | | | and the risk of serious health issues pertaining to |
| the West Nile district of Uganda. The disease has | | | | the virus increase with age. The risk of being |
| spread through many parts of Europe and Asia, | | | | infected with the West Nile virus is greatest |
| as well as North and South | | | | during July and August, peak mosquito season. |
| America.How did it spread? | | | | However, it is good to keep in mind that mosquito |
| We do not know exactly how the virus spread | | | | season lasts from as early as mid April until after |
| but there are several theories. Most likely the | | | | the first hard frost usually in October.Stopping the |
| West Nile virus was imported to other countries | | | | spread |
| by a bird or mosquito that was infected by the | | | | The very best way to avoid contacting the |
| disease. The virus has been found in over 150 | | | | West Nile virus is by minimizing your exposure to |
| different types of birds including: crows, ravens, | | | | mosquitoes. Other ways to help stop the spread |
| blue jays and magpies. Out of the 74 different | | | | of the West Nile virus include:Eliminate mosquito |
| species of mosquitoes found in all parts of | | | | breeding grounds around your home (these include |
| Canada, only ten have been found to carry the | | | | places where standing water can collect such as |
| West Nile virus.How is the West Nile virus | | | | wading pools, empty flower pots and bird baths) |
| transmitted? | | | | Report any dead birds found in your area to the |
| Mosquitoes become carriers of the West Nile | | | | local authorities. |
| virus after feeding on the blood of birds infected | | | | Use insect repellants that contain DEET and install |
| with the virus. The West Nile virus is transmitted | | | | screens in your windows and doors |
| to people through the bite of an infected | | | | Use mosquito netting when camping |
| mosquito. Recently, scientists have discovered | | | | Keep in mind that although the West Nile virus is |
| that people can become infected with the West | | | | not likely to disappear any time in the near future, |
| Nile virus through other ways like blood | | | | it is important to remember that the risk of |
| transfusions and organ/tissue transplants. There is, | | | | contacting the West Nile virus is low and the risk |
| however, no evidence to suggest that the | | | | of serious health effects from the disease even |
| disease can be contracted by kissing or touching | | | | lower.Karen Foster is the content manager and |
| someone who is infected with it.The West Nile | | | | editor for Tiny Mosquito: Understanding the |
| virus poses the greatest risk to those with | | | | Mosquito. |