Where can I get more information about the West Nile virus?
What is the West Nile virus? West Nile virus is a virus in the Flavivirus family, also referred to as an arbovirus, that is transmitted by the bite of a mosquito. How do people get West Nile virus? People become infected with the West Nile virus through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected animals such as certain birds. You cannot get the West Nile virus by handling dead birds. Can you get West Nile virus from another person? No, West Nile virus is not transmitted from person to person. What do I do if I find a dead bird? Dead birds act as a sentinel and dead bird surveillance is one of the components of the West Nile virus program in the District. The Department of Health has collected and tested sufficient numbers of dead birds to know that West Nile virus is endemic. The Department of Health is no longer studying dead birds. If you find a dead bird, please dispose of the bird yourself. To properly dispose of the bird, please follow
What is the West Nile virus? West Nile Virus is a flavivirus commonly found in Africa, West Asia, and the Middle East. It is closely related to St. Louis encephalitis virus which is also found in the United States. The virus can infect humans, birds, mosquitoes, horses and some other mammals. How do people get West Nile virus? People become infected with the West Nile virus through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected animals such as certain birds. You cannot get the West Nile virus by handling dead birds. Can you get West Nile virus from another person? No, West Nile virus is not transmitted from person to person. What do I do if I find a dead bird? The Department of Health is no longer studying dead birds but obtains records to monitor the approach of a West Nile Virus epidemic. If you find a dead bird, call 311 and request dead animal pick up with a specific location. If you are comfortable with properly disposing the bird, please f
