West Nile Virus (WNV)

West Nile Virus (WNV) is viral infection that can be spread to people from the bite of an infected mosquito. WNV can cause serious illness, and in some cases, death. Although a person's chances of getting sick are small, there are some simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes.

Avoid Mosquito Bites

  • Limit time outdoors between dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Wear long pants and long sleeved shirts when outside between dawn and dusk.
  • Apply insect repellent on clothes when outdoors.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

  • Keep mosquitoes outside by using window and door screens.
  • Drain standing water - don’t give mosquitoes a place to breed, they only need a little bit of water to lay their eggs.
  • Check weekly for possible mosquito breeding grounds like buckets, pool covers, gutters, bird baths and remove old tires.
Fight the bite by eliminating mosquito breeding sites around your house!

Contact Information

Email Madison County Public Health or call us at 315-366-2526.

Updated April 28, 2023