"Encephalitis" means a swelling of the brain caused by viruses and bacteria, including viruses transmitted by mosquitoes. West Nile encephalitis is an infection of the brain caused by West Nile Virus (WNV), commonly found in Africa, West Asia, and the Middle East.

People get this disease by the bite of a mosquito that is infected with the WNV. The disease is not transmitted from person-to-person, or animal-to-animal.

Most infections result in no symptoms at all. Symptoms, when they do occur, include fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph glands. Rarely, severe symptoms occur including stiff neck, high fever, disorientation, convulsions, muscle weakness, paralysis, and sometimes, death.

West Nile encephalitis was never reported in the U.S. before 1999. By the end of 2002, West Nile Virus activity was detected in 44 states and the District of Columbia. Maryland data for 2002 saw 36 human cases reported, with seven infections resulting in death. Recently, the first two probable human cases occurred in Howard County. Statewide (as of 10/13/03) the number of WNV human cases for the 2003 reporting season stands at 38.

There is no vaccine against the disease. The incubation period in humans is 5 to 15 days. If you suspect you have the disease, seek medical attention immediately.

Look around your house, especially outdoors, even in small containers, and eliminate standing water to reduce the risk of mosquito breeding. Look for standing water in tin cans, barrels, plant saucers, wading pools, gutters, as well as puddles, and ditches. If you have a birdbath in your yard, please change the water at least twice a week.

Wild game hunters, hikers and persons going into a mosquito infested area should take measures to protect themselves from getting bitten by mosquitoes. Wear light-colored, long pants and long sleeved shirts, and apply mosquito repellents, according to label instructions.

There is no evidence that handling live or dead infected birds can infect a person. For general hygiene, wear gloves or use double plastic bags when handling birds.

Additional information regarding WNV is available through the State Hotline at
1-866-866-CROW.

If you need additional information, please call the Howard County Health Department at
(410) 313-6300 or toll free at
1-866-313-6300.