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West Nile Virus (WNV)

• WNV is most commonly transmitted to humans through the bite of a mosquito (Culex quinquefasciatus and Culex tarsalis).
• WNV is established as a seasonal epidemic in North America that flares up in the summer and continues into fall. In the southern climates where temperatures are milder, West Nile virus can be transmitted year-round.

Symptoms

• A majority of infected people (70-80%) do not show signs or symptoms of infection
• 1 in 5 infected people will develop mild symptoms which include:
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Body aches
  • Joint pain
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Rash
• Less than 1% of infected people will develop sever symptoms associated with encephalitis or meningitis which include:
  • High fever
  • Headache
  • Neck stiffness
  • Disorientation
  • Coma
  • Tremors
  • Seizures
  • Paralysis

*Individuals over 60 years old or those who are already immunocompromised are at greater risk for severer symptoms.

Prevention

• The City of Albuquerque has a joint program with Bernalillo County for mosquito control.
  • Call 311 to report high mosquito population areas and standing water in your neighborhood.
• Use insect repellents containing DEET when outdoors. Always follow the direction on the product.
• Avoid outdoor activities during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
  • If unavoidable, use repellents, wear long sleeves and pants
• Keep your property free of mosquito breeding habitat
  • Empty standing water containers on a regular basis, even pet dishes and bird baths, remember the phrase: drain and cover!

For more information about West Nile Virus, visit the CDC site: https://www.cdc.gov/west-nile-virus/index.html or the New Mexico Department of Health website: https://www.nmhealth.org/about/erd/ideb/zdp/wnv/.