West Nile Virus General Information

In the fall of 1999, West Nile virus (WNV), a mosquito borne infection that can cause encephalitis, was first found in New York State. The virus is transmitted by certain mosquitoes that tend to breed in urban areas. These mosquitoes feed on infected birds and become carriers of the virus in their salivary glands. When an infected mosquito bites a human, bird, or other animal, the virus is then transmitted where it may multiply and cause illness. In 2002, WNV spread throughout the United States and it is likely to recur on a seasonal basis.

The chance that any one person is going to become ill from a bite is low. Most people who become infected with West Nile virus will have either no symptoms or only mild ones, including: fever, headache, and body aches. Symptoms generally appear 5 to 15 days after exposure. There is no specific treatment for viral infections, other than to treat the symptoms and provide supportive care. Those who may be susceptible to encephalitis are infants, the elderly and persons with impaired immune systems. Fortunately, in areas where WNV has been identified, the risk of contracting the virus from a mosquito bite is extremely low.

The Albany County Department of Health has developed a WNV Control Plan, based upon statewide recommendations, that emphasizes education and non-pesticide methods of eliminating mosquito breeding sites. Following State guidelines, our Department is engaged in active county-wide surveillance to identify the larvae and adult forms of the Culex pipiens mosquito that is most closely associated with WNV. The Department will also coordinate the use of the least toxic larvicides to reduce adult mosquito populations in urban areas.