Wild birds appear to be the principal host of the West Nile Virus. The virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito to a live bird or mammal. There is no evidence of the virus being transmitted directly from birds to humans. Given the lack of positive mosquito pools, low resident population density of the area, environmental habitat, and proximity to water, the department does not plan to immediately begin spraying with pesticides. According to State Health Commissioner Antonia C. Novello, less than one percent of humans infected with West Nile Virus will become seriously ill with symptoms that require hospitalization.
Severe infection is marked by the rapid onset of a high fever, headache and body aches.
Symptoms generally occur 5 to 15 days after exposure. If you have these symptoms, see your doctor immediately. Most people infected with West Nile will have no symptoms. The most vulnerable portions of the population include children, people over the age of 50, or people with weakened immune systems. The Oswego County Health Department has been undertaking a proactive virus surveillance program that includes collecting and submitting pools of mosquitoes and dead birds to the state for analysis.