West Nile virus: Quick Facts

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Last updated

Nov. 3, 2026

News •

Mosquito bite prevention helps protect children from West Nile virus • Oct. 28, 2026, 10:53 PM ET (News-Medical)

Facts

Also Known As	West Nile fever

Photos and Videos

Diagram showing the West Nile virus transmission cycle: a mosquito bites an infected bird (the primary reservoir host), then transmits the virus to humans or horses (incidental hosts) through subsequent bites.

West Nile virus

Diagram showing a microscope with a magnified view of a large, rod-shaped bacterium next to a much smaller, round virus particle.

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Topics

Bird Culex West Nile virus notifiable disease animal disease zoonotic disease viral disease AIDS malaria polio tuberculosis Ebola plague influenza smallpox bird flu hepatitis

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