What kinds of birds carry the West Nile virus?
Any wild or domestic bird can be infected with this virus, but some species are particularly susceptible to disease and death from this infection. These species include crows, blue jays, and birds of prey such as hawks, owls, and eagles. However, based on our current understanding of this virus, it appears that the only significant risk to humans is through the bite of an infective mosquito (see “How do people get West Nile virus?” below). Where did West Nile virus come from? West Nile virus has been commonly found in humans, birds, and other animals in Africa, Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and the Middle East, but until 1999 had not previously been documented in the Western Hemisphere. The U.S. viral strain is most closely related genetically to strains found in the Middle East. What are the symptoms of West Nile virus infection? Most people infected with this virus do not have any symptoms. Some people experience a mild illness characterized by slight fever, headache, body aches, ski
