Q. Can you get West Nile virus from another person?
A. No. West Nile virus is NOT transmitted from person-to-person.

Q. Can you get West Nile virus directly from birds?
A. There is no evidence that a person can get the virus from handling infected birds. However, avoid bare-handed contact when handling any dead animals.

Q. Besides mosquitoes, can you get West Nile virus directly from other insects or ticks?
A. Infected mosquitoes are the primary source for West Nile virus. Ticks infected with West Nile virus have been found in Asia and Africa although their role in transmitting the virus is uncertain.

Q. What are the symptoms of West Nile virus?
A. Symptoms include fever, headache, and body aches, often with skin rash and swollen lymph glands. More severe infection may be marked by headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, paralysis and, rarely, death.

Q. Is a woman's pregnancy at risk if she gets West Nile virus?
A. There is no documented evidence that a pregnancy is at risk due to West Nile virus.

Q. How is West Nile virus treated?
A. There is no specific treatment. In more severe cases, hospitalization is required.

Q. Is the disease seasonal in its occurrence?
A. In the temperate zone of the world (i.e., between latitudes 23.5° and 66.5° north and south. D.C.'s National Airport is about 38.8° north), West Nile virus cases occur primarily in the late summer or early fall. In milder climates, West Nile virus can be transmitted year round.

Q. What can I do to reduce my risk of becoming infected with West Nile virus?
A. Stay indoors at dawn, dusk and in the early evening. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are outdoors. Apply insect repellent containing 35 percent DEET sparingly to exposed skin. Note: Vitamin B and "ultrasonic" devices are NOT effective in preventing mosquito bites.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention