West Nile Virus is a disease that can infect people, birds, and other animals, and is transmitted through certain mosquitoes. West Nile Virus has quickly spread across North America since its arrival in New York in 1999. It is considered to be the most widely distributed vector-borne disease in North America, and has now been detected in B.C.

Important points to note about West Nile Virus:

• West Nile virus can have serious health effects for people, and some animals.
• The greatest risk from being bitten is later in the season, from July to September.
• Many species of mosquito found in the north aren't the type known to carry the virus.

About 1 in 5 people bitten by an infected mosquito will experience symptoms like:

• Fever
• Muscle weakness
• Stiff neck
• Confusion
• Severe headache
• Sudden sensitivity to light

In some cases, these symptoms can last for months, and in a small number of cases, more serious complications or even death can occur.