What is West Nile Fever?

West Nile fever is a disease caused by West Nile Virus (WNV), which is a fl avivirus related to the viruses that cause St. Louis encephalitis, Japanese encephalitis, and yellow fever. It causes disease in humans, horses, and several species of bird’s. Most infected individuals show few signs of illness, but some develop severe neuroloqical illness which can be fatal.

West Nile Virus has an extremely broad host range. It replicates in birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, mosquitoes and ticks.

West Nile Fever is a disease listed in the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Terrestrial Animal Health Code and must be reported to the OIE

 

Source: The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)