How is West Nile Virus spread to humans?
Humans get West Nile Virus when a mosquito infected with the virus bites them. The mosquito gets West Nile Virus by feeding on the blood of an infected bird. Two weeks must pass before the mosquito is able to transfer the virus. There is some evidence that mosquitoes can pass the virus to their offspring but that research is incomplete. People can also get West Nile Virus through blood transfusion and organ donation but that risk is very low. There is some evidence that pregnant women can pass the virus to their unborn children and that the virus can also be passed through breast milk. Laboratory workers who handle West Nile Virus specimens can contract the virus through cuts and needle punctures.
Humans get West Nile Virus when a mosquito infected with the virus bites them. The mosquito gets West Nile Virus by feeding on the blood of an infected bird. Two weeks must pass before the mosquito is able to transfer the virus. There is some evidence that mosquitoes can pass the virus to their offspring but that research is incomplete. People can also get West Nile Virus through blood transfusion and organ donation but that risk is very low. There is some evidence that pregnant women can pass the virus to their unborn children and that the virus can also be passed through breast milk. Laboratory workers who handle West Nile Virus specimens can contract the virus through cuts and needle punctures.
