REPORT THIS DISEASE TO COBB & DOUGLAS PUBLIC HEALTH
AT: 770-514-2432

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WHAT IS IT?

West Nile Virus (WNV) is a viral disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes get WNV by feeding on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes pass the virus to other birds, people, horses, and other mammals. Humans, horses and other mammals are considered “dead end” hosts because they cannot develop high levels of the virus in their bloodstream to pass the virus onto other mosquitoes. The WNV is most often spread to people by the Culex mosquitoes.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

70 to 80% of people will not have symptoms. Less than 1% will develop a neurologic disease such as

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle/Body aches
  • Joint Pain
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Rash
  • >1% develop neurological diseases

Symptoms generally begin 2 to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.