What is West Nile Virus? Where did it come from?
West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus commonly found in Africa, West Asia and the Middle East. It was first identified in the United States in August of 1999 in New York State.

Adult egg-laying mosquito

How do people get West Nile Virus?
People become infected with West Nile Virus from the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected by biting birds which have previously been infected with WNV. There is no evidence that a person can get the virus from handling infected birds.

What are the symptoms of West Nile Virus?
Most infections are mild. Symptoms may include fever, headache, body aches, skin rashes and swollen lymph glands. When more severe illness occurs, symptoms range from fever, rash and headache to meningitis, encephalitis, coma and, on rare occasions, death.

Who is at risk for getting West Nile Virus?
Risk among individuals in the general population is very low. However, people over the age of 50 and those with weak immune systems are at greater risk for more serious illness.

How is it treated?
There is no specific treatment for West Nile Virus, nor is there a vaccine. Most people recover completely within two weeks. In more severe infections, intensive supportive therapy may be needed.

Can birds or other animals get West Nile Virus?
Crows, gulls, ducks, chickens, hawks, and horses are among animals that are known to harbor West Nile Virus. But only a few species actually show symptoms, and only a few have enough virus in their blood to allow mosquitoes that feed on them to become infected. In a limited number of studies on domestic animals, infected dogs showed minimal to no symptoms.

To Report a Dead Crow
To report a dead crow during business hours, call the Atlantic County Division of Public Health at 645-5971. To report a dead crow after hours or on the weekends, call the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Dispatcher at 641-0111.