West Nile virus is carried by mosquitoes and can infect humans, horses, and birds. Humans can only get the virus from the bite of an infected mosquito; the disease does not spread from other animals to humans, or from person to person. Most infections are mild, with fever and flu-like symptoms, but severe infections may cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and rarely, death.

 

Mosquitoes bite infected birds and then can potentially transmit the infection to horses and humans. The disease does not transmit from horse to horse or human to human. A bite by an infected mosquito is the only known route of transmission.

 

Help reduce the number of mosquitoes in areas outdoors where you work or play, by draining sources of standing water. In this way, you reduce the number of places mosquitoes can lay their eggs and breed.

 

To report suspicious illness or death of livestock, contact the Oregon Department of Agriculture, 503-986-4760.

 

Health care providers and clinical laboratories are required to report cases and suspect cases of diseases of unusual public health significance immediately upon identification. On weekends and holidays, call 503/731-4030 to reach the state health department doctor on call.

 

View maps of West Nile virus in the U.S.