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1. Does Wyoming worry about West Nile Virus?

Yes, just like every other state across the United States. Wyoming Department of Health is very active in following the mosquitoes and active pools during the summer months. Please check out their website for more information. Bad Skeeter web page

2. What is West Nile virus?

West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). West Nile Virus infections generally occur during warm weather months when mosquitoes are active.

3. Who gets West Nile and how is it spread?

Anyone can get infected with West Nile Virus; however more severe infections occur in the elderly and those with a weakened immune system. West Nile Virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes get infected with West Nile Virus by feeding on infected birds. There is no evidence that a person can acquire the disease by handling live or dead birds or other infected animals. The virus cannot be spread from person to person.

4. What are the symptoms of a West Nile virus infection and when do they occur?

Most people infected with West Nile Virus do not become ill. People with a mild infection may present with fever, headache, eye pain, muscle aches, joint pain, a rash on the trunk, and/or swollen lymph nodes. In severe cases (less than 1% of those infected), symptoms include extreme muscle weakness, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), paralysis, and coma. In rare cases the infection may be fatal, particularly in the elderly and people with other medical conditions. Symptoms usually occur 5 to 15 days after a West Nile Virus infected mosquito bites a person.

5. Does past infection with West Nile virus make a person inmune?

Yes. Prior infection with West Nile virus can provide lifelong immunity to the virus.

6. What is the treatment for West Nile virus infection?

There is no specific treatment for West Nile Virus infection; however a physician may prescribe medications to relieve the symptoms of the illness. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.

7. What can be done to prevent a West Nile virus infection?

Preventing mosquito bites will prevent West Nile Virus infection. Personal protective measures such as limiting the time spent outdoors at dawn and dusk or other times mosquitoes are active; wearing long sleeve shirts and long pants when outdoors; using insect repellents (containing DEET) when outdoors; and putting screens on windows and doors to prevent mosquito entry which can serve to reduce or prevent mosquito bites.

Reducing mosquito populations will also reduce mosquito bites. In some communities, public funded surveillance and control programs reduce mosquito populations by eliminating mosquito breeding habitat, mosquito larvae, or adults. You can also take measures in your own yard or on your property to eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed. Sources of standing water include old tires, metal cans, ceramic pots, clogged rain gutters, wading pools, pool covers, or birdbaths.