The Cycle
This picture show the cycle of West Nile Virus. Since the words are blurred out, here's how it works.
Step 1. Crow to Crow transmission has been demonstrated in caged birds.
Step 2. The typical West Nile Virus is bird to mosquito. Mosquitos become affected when they bite birds affected with West Nile Virus.
Step 3. "Dead-End" Carriers: The virus in mammals is usually not sufficent to be transmitted back to the mosquito, therby ending the cycle.
Step 4. Mammals bitten by mosquitos may test positive for WNV, although some mammals will not get ill.
Risk of West Nile Virus in the USA
This map shows the risks of West Nile Virus in the United States. Clearly, the place with the highest risk is the Northeast andin the Mid West. Use the color code at the bottom to determine the risk of West Nile Virus where you live!
Title.
This is an interesting picture of the virus itself. West Nile Virus is a member of the family Flaviviridae. Studies have shown that West Nile Virus emerged as far back as 1,000 years ago.