West Nile Virus

Although many people who are bitten by an infected mosquito won't get sick, others aren't as lucky. Almost 29,000 people in the US have been reported with West Nile virus disease since 1999, and of those 11,760 have been seriously ill and over 1,100 have died. The older you are, the more likely that you could get severely ill if you get infected. People who have ever received an organ transplant are also at higher risk for severe disease. The reasons a person becomes severely ill and another doesn't, is unknown.To improve your odds of avoiding West Nile virus, use a repellent, while outside, on skin or clothes.


Insect Repellent: Who, What, When, Where and Why

There are many excuses for not using repellent-forgot it, didn't want to go back and get it, it doesn't smell good, it's not in the budget, and some say mosquitoes don't bite them.There are facts or a counter argument for every excuse, but here's the best reason to go ahead and get the repellent-to avoid getting sick from West Nile virus, this is a part of the equation you can help to control. Avoid the weeks (or even months) of aches and fatigue that come with West Nile fever, being hospitalized with meningitis, encephalitis or worse.

What repellent should I use?

CDC recommends a variety of repellents. There are those that can protect you for a short while in the backyard or a long while in the woods. DEET, plant-based oil of lemon eucalyptus, picaridin and IR3535 are all repellents recommended by CDC and have been registered with EPA and evaluated for efficacy and safety.


When should you wear repellent?

Mosquitoes can bite anytime. Most of those that carry West Nile virus bite from around sundown to around sun-up (throughout the night). Put a few bottles or packets of repellent around—in the car, by the door, in your bag. Make it easy.

Where is West Nile virus a problem?

Almost all of the continental US has had human WNV cases. Some areas, such as those with the red dots on the map to the right, have a greater concentration of cases of severe disease than other areas. Some areas of the US are affected by other viruses such as eastern equine encephalitis virus and LaCrosse encephalitis virus.


What about mosquito control in my town/county?

Integrated mosquito management helps reduce the number of mosquitoes, especially those that can carry disease. This is a crucial part of reducing the risk to humans. Mosquito control won't get rid of every last mosquito, but combined with repellent use one can markedly reduce the chances of getting bitten. Ask local officials about starting mosquito control in your city or county if it doesn't exist already.