WEST NILE VIRUS
On this Page
NIOSH Fast Facts Card
NIOSH Fast Facts Card: Protecting Yourself from Ticks and Mosquitoes
(En Español)
Print or order this free card for easy access to important safety information.
Overview
The West Nile virus (WNV) is most often spread to people from the bite of an infected mosquito. The WNV normally cycles between mosquitoes and birds. However, people may be infected if they are bitten by a WNV-infected mosquito.
Outdoor workers are at risk of WNV infection from the bite of infected mosquitoes. Workers at risk include farmers, foresters, landscapers, groundskeepers and gardeners, painters, roofers, pavers, construction workers, laborers, mechanics, and other outdoor workers. Entomologists, wildlife biologists, and other field workers are also at risk while working outdoors.
Laboratory, field, and clinical workers who perform necropsies of infected birds or handle WNV-infected tissues or fluids are also at risk of WNV infection if their skin is penetrated or cut. The virus can be transmitted through contact with the blood or other tissues of infected animals.
Workers at risk should receive training that describes and reinforces the potential occupational hazards and risks of WNV exposure and infection. The importance of the timely reporting of all workplace injuries and illnesses should be emphasized. A medical surveillance system should be in place which includes the reporting of symptoms consistent with WNV infection, laboratory incidents or accidents involving possible WNV exposures, and employee absenteeism.
NIOSH Publications
- NIOSH Fast Facts Card: Protecting Yourself from Ticks and Mosquitoes
(En Español) - NIOSH Brochure: Recommendations for Protecting Outdoor Workers from West Nile Virus Exposure
(En Español) - NIOSH Brochure: Recommendations for Protecting Laboratory, Field, and Clinical Workers from West Nile Virus Exposure
(En Español)
CDC Resources
CDC Insect Repellent Information
BioSafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (5th edition, 2009).
Other Resources
Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Workplace Precautions Against West Nile Virus
New York State Department of Health, West Nile Virus Fact Sheet for Outdoor Workers
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Wildlife Health Center, West Nile Virus Site
USGS National Wildlife Health Center Guidelines for Handling Birds
National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus West Nile Virus Site
Contact Us:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- 800-CDC-INFO
(800-232-4636)
TTY: (888) 232-6348 - New Hours of Operation
8am-8pm ET/Monday-Friday
Closed Holidays - cdcinfo@cdc.gov