West Nile Virus

What is West Nile virus?

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms generally appear about 3 to 14 days after exposure. People over age 50 are at greater risk of severe illness.

Milder symptoms include:

• slight fever
• headache
• body aches
• swollen glands
• sometimes a skin rash

Severe symptoms include:

• high fever
• intense headache
• stiff neck
• confusion

What do I do if I think I have West Nile virus?

If you are bitten by a mosquito, you don't need to see a doctor. Most people who suffer a mild illness due to West Nile virus recover, and no treatment is necessary. Only supportive treatment is available for more serious cases. Testing for West Nile virus in people involves a blood or spinal fluid test that can take several weeks to confirm. No vaccine exists at this time for West Nile virus infection in humans.

Who is protecting my health?

The Virginia Department of Health, along with multiple other agencies, is monitoring for mosquito-borne viruses in birds, mosquitoes, horses and humans. The information collected is used to advise local authorities and the public about the potential threat of West Nile virus in Virginia.

Where should I report a dead bird?

The public can help state officials monitor for the virus by reporting dead crows, bluejays and birds of prey. In Henrico call 226-NILE. The state lab will no longer test dead wild birds for WNV.  Testing dead birds is not considered a useful or economic WNV surveillance indicator as there is little evidence of a correlation between reported dead bird data and WNV infection rates in mosquitoes.  Despite not testing dead birds, the Henrico Standing Water Initiative encourages the public to call 226-NILE for dead bird concerns.  Staff will provide information about sound mosquito control practices.

How can I help prevent West Nile virus?

Eliminate mosquito breeding areas around the home. Several of the species of mosquitoes most likely to carry West Nile virus can breed in containers in your own backyard.

Control Mosquitoes from Breeding

• Turn over or remove containers in your yard where rainwater collects, such as potted plant trays, buckets or toys.
• Empty birdbaths once a week.
• Remove old tires from your yard.
• Drain wading pools often.
• Clean roof gutters and downspout screens.
• Eliminate standing water on flat roofs.
• Do not allow water to collect in garbage cans.

Protect Yourself and Your Family

• Wear long, loose and light-colored clothing.
• If possible, stay indoors when mosquitoes are biting.
• Use insect repellent with the smallest percentage of DEET that protects for the length of time you are exposed to mosquitoes, but no more than 50% for adults and 10% for children under 12.
• Only adults should apply repellent on children.
• Spray repellent on your hands and then apply to your face.
• Only apply repellent to exposed skin and clothing. Do not use repellent under clothing.
• Do not apply repellent over cuts, wounds, sunburn, or irritated skin.
• Wash off repellent daily and reapply as needed.

Where can I get more information?

You can find more information at these websites:

You can also contact Henrico County about a particular question at these phone numbers.