West Nile Virus

West Nile virus is a virus mainly transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Mosquitoes transmit the virus after becoming infected by feeding on the blood of birds which carry the virus.

Most people infected with the virus have no symptoms or they have flu-like symptoms. Sometimes though, the virus can cause severe illness, resulting in hospitalization and even death so it is important to know the symptoms of illness related to infection and how to minimize your risk, especially if virus activity is reported in an area near you.

What Information is Available?

Find out more about the symptoms of the West Nile Virus and how you can minimize your risk by consulting the following resource:

• West Nile Virus - It's Your Health fact sheet

The Public Health Agency of Canada coordinates national surveillance and response to West Nile virus, and provides:

• general information on the virus;
• public education resources such as pamphlets;
• tips on using insect repellents; and
• surveillance data through the West Nile Virus MONITOR.

Related Resources

• Information for First Nations communities
• Pest Management Regulatory Agency
• Provincial West Nile Virus Contact Information