6002' ‘6 My 'erumvs I aunqrrL-uns Qualiï¬ers ‘6 Protect yourself . .. (over up Wear repellent WHAT YORK REGION IS porno ... What is West Nile virus? West Nile virus is a mosquitoâ€"born virus that is primarily spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes transmit the virus after becoming infected by feeding on the blood of birds which carry the virus. West Nile virus can cause severe illness, although the risk of becoming seriously ill because of infection is low. Most people who become infected experience no symptoms or very mild illness. What are the symptoms of West Nile virus? Symptoms of West Nile virus include fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, confusion, severe headache and a sudden sensitivity to light. For a very rare few, the virus can cause serious neurological illness. Who is at risk for West Nile virus? Everyone who is outside during the summer months is at risk for West Nile virus and should take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. People who have chronic illnesses and the elderly should be especially careful. WHAT YOU CAN DO. . . Prevention and protection are the best ways to protect yourself and your family from West Nile virus. There are simple and common sense precautions that should be taken: Clean up The best way to keep mosquitoes away is to clean up areas of standing water where they like to breed. Look around your house and property and get rid of places that are “mosquito friendly.†Eliminate standing water which may gather in pool covers, flower pots, children’s pools, old tires and birdbaths. (over up Mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn. if you need to be outside at this time, cover up and use an insect repellent for extra protection. Make sure the screens on your home are tight-ï¬tting and in good repair. York Region York Region Community and Health Services does not recommend the use of bat boxes as an effective method for mosquito control as several bats in York Region have tested positive for rabies in past summers.