West Nile virus is a mosquito borne virus. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds, which may circulate the virus in their blood for a few days. The virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. The incubation period is 3 to 15 days following the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms may range from a slight fever headache and mild flu-like illness to rapid onset of severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, muscle weakness, and disorientation.
Fatalities usually occur in the elderly.
Currently there is no treatment available. Mosquitoes need water to breed and even a small amount of standing water will serve the purpose. Mosquito eggs and larvae can develop in any accumulation of water that is allowed to stand for four days or more. The most effective thing you can do is to remove any opportunity for standing water to accumulate around your home and property. Clean eaves troughs of debris regularly so water does not accumulate.