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Community Development - West Nile Virus

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1. What is West Nile Virus?

West Nile Virus is a virus commonly found in Africa, West Asia and the Middle East. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believe the virus probably has been in the eastern United States since early summer 1999. The virus can infect humans, birds, mosquitoes, horses and other animals.

2. What are the symptoms?

Most people infected with the West Nile Virus will not have any signs of illness. Some people who become infected will have mild symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches and occasionally a skin rash on the trunk of the body and swollen lymph glands. The symptoms of severe infection (West Nile encephalitis or meningitis) include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis. Only about one out of 150 people infected with West Nile Virus will develop this more severe form of disease.

3. How is it spread?

West Nile Virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito and can infect people, horses, many types of birds and other animals. There is no evidence that West Nile Virus can be spread from person to person or from animal to person, except by mosquito bite. Less than one percent of those bitten by infected mosquitoes become severely ill. If you have any of the symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

4. Can dogs, cats and other pets get the West Nile Virus?

Yes. But they rarely, if ever, get sick. No cases of West Nile disease have been confirmed in dogs and cats. The virus can infect many species of animals, but few actually get the disease. Most infections have been identified in birds, but West Nile Virus has been shown to infect dogs, cats, horses and domestic rabbits, as well as bats, chipmunks, skunks and squirrels.

5. How can I get more information about human cases?

For the latest up-to-date information on human cases in the US go to the Center for Disease Control website. For the latest up-to-date information on human cases in Texas, go to the Texas Department of State Health Services Web site

6. What is the City doing about West Nile Virus?

The City of Allen Environmental Health Division continues to implement ongoing mosquito control activities in order to reduce the risks associated with the West Nile Virus. These efforts include larvicide treatment of stagnant swimming pools and selected natural areas including creeks and detention ponds.

7. How can I report stagnant or standing water?

To report areas of stagnant water, or for additional inquiries, please email Environmetal Services or call 214.509.4160.

8. What ways can I do to reduce my chances of contracting West Nile Virus?

The most effective way to avoid any mosquito-borne illness is to take the following simple precautions around the home. Drain standing water, minimize activities during dusk and dawn hours, apply insect repellent that contains DEET, dress in long sleeve light colored clothing, and keep doors and windows closed. For more information about reducing your risk, visit the Collin County web site.