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The College of Veterinary Medicine is at the forefront of tracking West
Nile Virus in Illinois and providing the public with reliable information.
Here is a quick overview of the virus. Follow the links below for more
details.
Quick Facts on West
Nile Virus
- West Nile virus (WNV), a type of virus that causes an encephalitis (swelling
of the brain) that can sometimes be fatal, was first documented in North America
in 1999. It is a blood-borne disease transmitted by blood-sucking insects, primarily
mosquitoes.
- Much less than 1 percent of mosquitoes in an infection area actually carry
the virus, and less than 1 percent of people who are bitten and become infected
will become severely ill. Of those who become severely ill, fatality rates range
from 3 percent to 15 percent and are highest among the elderly and immuno-compromised
individuals (such as cancer and AIDS patients).
- Horses and birds, especially crows, blue jays, and hunting birds such as hawks,
are susceptible to WNV encephalitis.
- Although the death of one dog has been confirmed as caused by West Nile Virus,
cases of the virus causing disease in companion animals are extremely rare and
likely only in severely immunocompromised animals. Owners should minimize their
pets' exposure to mosquitoes, but should never use an insect repellant on their
pets unless it is specifically approved for such use.
- West Nile Virus is a reportable disease in the state of Illinois. The Illinois
Department of Agriculture should be contacted (217/782-4944) when the disease
is suspected or confirmed in domestic animals, poultry, or wild animals in captivity.
College of Veterinary
Medicine Links on West Nile Virus
• General Fact
Sheet on West Nile Virus
- UI-developed
map system tracks West Nile virus (News-Gazette Online, February 10, 2003)
• News Releases on West Nile Virus
 UI
lab confirms first cases of West Nile in canines, squirrels,
September 17, 2002
Community
Invited to Informational Forum on West Nile Virus, June 5, 2002
• 2002 Illinois Surveillance
Data, including an animation of the spread of WNV in Illinois and
interactive mapping
• Information for Owners on West Nile Virus in Horses and Pets
FAQs
on West Nile Virus in Pets
Report
from the Equine Medicine and Surgery section
at
the Veterinary Teaching Hospital
August
19 Horse Column
September
23 Pet Column
• FAQs for
Small Animal Veterinarians on West Nile Virus in Pets
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