Can a person get West Nile virus directly from birds?
West Nile virus is normally spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread WNV to humans and other animals when they bite. However, dead birds should not be handled with bare hands. Use gloves to carefully place dead birds in a two thick plastic bags and then place the dead birds in the outdoor trash.
