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West Nile Information

West Nile Virus Information/ACMAD Comprehensive Plan:

West Nile Virus (WNV):

WNV is the most prominent cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. The virus is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on an infected bird and can spread WNV to people and animals by biting them. Mammals infected with the disease are considered “dead-end hosts” of the virus and are unable to pass the disease any further. However, mammals that contract the virus can become ill (see figure below).

Mammals infected with the disease are considered “dead-end hosts” of the virus
Photo from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • WNV Symptoms: Most people (8 of 10) infected with WNV develop NO symptoms.  Roughly 1 in 5 infected develops a fever, with other symptoms such as: headaches, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rashes. Statistics indicate that most people suffering these symptoms recover fully. However, fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months. About 1 in 150 people infected with WNV develop a severe illness affecting the central nervous system, which may result in paralysis or death.
  • WNV Diagnosis: If you develop the symptoms listed above, CONTACT YOUR PERSONAL HEALTHCARE PROVIDER. Your doctor or clinic can test for WNV.
  • WNV Treatment: At this time, there are no human vaccines or medications to treat or prevent WNV available to the public (though vaccines are available for horses).
  • WNV Prevention: The most effective way to avoid contracting WNV is to prevent mosquito bites (see the 3-Ds in the “Mosquito Abatement At Home” Section).  Be aware of mosquito and WNV activity in your area or neighborhood.  Use our Mosquito Tracker for up-to-date information.

ACMAD Comprehensive Plan and Response to WNV:

Not all mosquito species are considered West Nile vectors. The purpose of the ACMAD Comprehensive Plan for Managing Mosquitoes is to educate Ada County residents about the Mosquito Abatement District and its Integrated Mosquito Management program, including our efforts to combat mosquito populations (vectors) that can potentially carry West Nile virus.

Vectors are mosquitoes and other insects or animals that are capable of transmitting disease from one species to another. In Ada County, 16 species, including six considered West Nile vectors, have been identified. Of the six, only two are considered primary vectors. Primary vectors share habitat with the West Nile host and readily feed on humans transmitting the disease. Four species are considered secondary vectors, which typically feed on other animals only because humans are not frequently available in their habitat at the time they feed.

The species and number of mosquitoes trapped help us to identify and control the two primary species that serve as West Nile vectors. Reducing these numbers will lower the impact of human exposure to West Nile virus.

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