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West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito borne viral disease. WNV occurs throughout the United States and can cause disease in humans, birds and other mammals. Many persons infected with WNV will have no obvious symptoms. In those persons who do develop illness, symptoms of WNV include: headache, high fever, altered mental state, tremors, convulsions and rarely paralysis. WNV can also cause meningitis/encephalitis and can be fatal. West Nile is transmitted to a person through the bite of an infected mosquito.

There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus. This disease is best prevented by avoiding exposure to mosquitoes.


Resources for Maine Residents

Resources for Physicians

  1. Arboviral Testing Form Microsoft Word*(*free viewer)
  2. HETL directions for Arboviral testing  Microsoft Word* (*free viewer)

Other Vector-borne Diseases

External Links