There have been no documented cases of WNV infections in dogs or cats in Connecticut. The same way people become infected by infected mosquitoes bites. The virus is maintained in the mosquito's salivary glands. During blood feeding, the virus is injected into the animal. The virus then multiplies and may cause clinical signs in a susceptible animal.
Most infections are inapparent or mild.
If your pet shows signs of fever, depression, incoordination, muscle weakness or spasms, seizures or paralysis, see your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will assess your pet's condition and give appropriate treatment. No, this is very unlikely. Infected mosquitoes transmit WNV to people through blood feeding. However, people who directly handle sick animals should take precautions such as wearing gloves to protect themselves from contact with saliva from sick animals that may actually have rabies rather than WNV infection.