West Nile Virus

West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne disease found in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Canada, Mexico, and the United States. WNV first appeared in California in 2002 and by 2004 , WNV had spread to all 58 counties. In 2006, 54 counties had WNV activity with 278 human cases. The state had a total of 7 fatalities last year. Infection by WNV is prevented through the concerted actions of state and local mosquito and vector control agencies. People can protect themselves by taking precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.