West Nile virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of a female mosquito that has bitten an infected bird.  West Nile virus symptoms are present within 3-15 days after being bitten by the infected mosquito.  Culex mosquitoes, the type of mosquito most likely to carry West Nile virus breed in shallow, stagnant, polluted water.  Mosquitoes can breed in any stagnant water that lasts for more than a couple of days.



Personal Protection is the first line of defense against West Nile virus
    -  Avoid being outside at dawn or dusk
    -  Use an insect repellant containing DEET
    -  When outside wear light-colored long pants and long sleeved shirt
    -  Eliminate all standing water on or near your property
    -  Repair failed septic systems

Most people who become infected with West Nile virus will have either no symptoms or very mild symptoms.  However, some individuals will contract a more serious form of the virus that causes inflammation of the brain and surrounding tissues.  Seek medical attention immediately if you develop symptoms such as a high fever, muscle weakness, neck stiffness, sore joints, confusion, tremors or severe headache.

Purdue's Vector Biology Page

Learn to "Fight the Bite"

Two New Repellants Recommended by CDC

What do I do if I find a dead bird?

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) has had a disease surveillance system in place since 2000 to monitor mosquitoes and birds that can potentially carry West Nile Virus. Blue jays, crows, and raptors are highly sensitive to the virus and provide an early warning system for detecting West Nile Virus activity in a community.

The Hendricks County Vector Control Division collects certain birds to be tested at the ISDH Laboratory during West Nile Virus season (season is dependent on weather). Click on the following link to see if the dead bird is one that the state tests.

Pictures of Birds Tested for West Nile Virus by ISDH Laboratory

Use rubber gloves when picking up dead birds. If you do not have gloves, insert your hand into a plastic bag, pick up bird, and invert bag-allowing hands to remain covered while collecting bird. If the bird is not one that is tested at the laboratory, there are two ways to properly discard the bird. Either bury the bird at the location found or double bag the body and place in trash receptacle for proper disposal at approved land fill.

If the bird has been run over, mutilated, or decomposed (maggot infested) they are usually of limited diagnostic value and won't be collected for testing. Please call the Hendricks County Health Department at (317) 745-9217 with any questions.

ISDH West Nile Virus Information

Ticks

Visit the following links for more information:
Tick and Disease in Indiana