See PANUPS updates service, for complete information. There are
a few key facts about the virus and its control. First, CDC
estimates that 80% of those infected never show any symptoms.
Twenty percent will develop West Nile Fever with flu-like
symptoms such as a headache, fever, and muscle aches, but fewer
than one percent of those infected will develop the West Nile
Neuro Invasive Disease, which can cause inflammation of the
brain and spinal cord, and can be life threatening. Those at
highest risk for serious illness are the elderly and people who
have weakened immune systems. Second, the most effective virus
prevention involves personal protection and control of larval
populations (occurring in ponds or other stagnant water sources)
rather than the use of pesticides against adult mosquitoes.
Effective public health strategies have focused on educating the
public on how to help eliminate mosquito breeding grounds
(eliminate standing water nearby) and how to reduce exposure to
insects by wearing sensible clot