Orange County Health Department Florida Department of Health
Protecting Your Health…It’s What We Do
Wednesday, February 08, 2012
Administrative Services CenterMon- Fri: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Phone: 407-858-1420
Phone: 407-858-1420
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>General Health >Epidemiology >Mosquito Borne >West Nile
West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus is an infectious disease spread by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to humans and other animals when they bite.
An increase of bird deaths is often a sign of West Nile Virus. Never touch a dead bird. If you find a dead bird, report it immediately to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
People over age 50 have a higher risk for becoming seriously ill when they get infected with West Nile virus.
Signs & Symptoms: begin 3 and 14 days after they are bitten. Most people are asymptomatic (without symptoms) however, symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Headache and Body Aches
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Swollen Lymph Glands
- Skin Rash (on chest, stomach, and back)
- Neck stiffness
- Disorientation
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Muscle Weakness
- Vision Loss
- Numbness and Paralysis
- Coma