What is West Nile Virus?A mosquito transmitted virus that causes mild to severe illness and is commonly found in birds, humans and other mammals.

History1937: WNV was first isolated in the West Nile province of Uganda1950s: WNV was first recorded epidemic in Israel1999: WNV first appeared in the U.S. in New York (only 10 years ago!)

These front covers of The New Yorker depict West Nile Virus as a current event in 1999 and 2000. What are the themes or narratives of these illustrations?

Activity in the U.S.National Center for Infectious DiseasesWest Nile Virus Activity

Transmission Bird to bird transmission has been demonstrated in caged birds Mosquitoes become infected when they bite birds infected with WNV Mammals bitten by infected mosquitoes may test positive for WNV although some may not get ill

TransmissionMost commonInfected mosquito biteRare transmissionDonate blood (now screened for WNV)Mother to unborn childFrom organ transplant

In the Human BodyWest Nile Virus multiplies and may cross the blood-brain barrier

In the Human BodyNormally, this barrier prevents bacteria and viruses from getting to the brainWhen they pass, an immune response is activatedThis can lead to the most dangerous symptom of WNV, encephalitis (brain inflammation or swelling)

Serious SymptomsAbout 1 out of 150 WNV infected peoplehigh feverheadacheneck stiffnesscomatremorsconvulsionsmuscle weaknessvision lossnumbness and paralysis These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent

Mild SymptomsUp to 20% (1 out of 5) of WNV infected peoplefeverheadachebody achesnauseavomitingsometimes swollen lymph glandsa skin rash on the chest, stomach or back. Lasts from a few days to weeks

No SymptomsApproximately 80% of people (about 4 out of 5) who are infected with WNV will not show any symptoms at all

Other Affects on Human PopulationsKeeps people from going outdoors during warmer monthsKeeps people from travelling to other countries with a higher prevalenceParents shelter their children more by keeping them at home and preventing them from outdoor exercises

Although WNV is potentially dangerous, the risk is not high enough to be this precautious

How many of you have been bitten by a mosquito?

Now, how many of you have been diagnosed with West Nile Virus?The risk of getting West Nile Virusis actually quite low especially for children and adolescents.

Just Be Safe: Practice the 7 DsDRAIN any standing water that may produce mosquitoes.

DAWN and DUSK are times to avoid. These are the times when mosquitoes are most active.

DRESS appropriately by wearing light colors, long sleeves and pants when going near mosquito infested areas.

DEFEND yourself against mosquitoes by using an effective insect repellent. Make sure you follow all label directions!

DOOR and window screens should be in good working condition. This will prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.

DISTRICT personnel are available to address any mosquito problem you may be experiencing.

Mosquito Repellent FactMosquitoes key in on carbon dioxide (CO2) signatures of warm-blooded animalsHumans have a CO2 signature of their own that mosquitoes love the bestCitronella, a prime ingredient of insect repellent, sprayed in the air confuses mosquitoes because it interferes with their ability to smell CO2

How does it compare to West Nile Virus?What about the Swine Flu weve been hearing lots about?

West Nile Virus vs. Swine FluSimilarities1. Both viruses2. Neither currently have vaccinations3. Both present flu-like symptoms4. Both originated in animals5. Both can easily be prevented by taking the necessary precautionsDifferences1. West Nile is transmitted by mosquitoes and Swine Flu by viral human contact2. West Nile was originally detected in Uganda, Swine Flu in Mexico3. Flu viruses typically arise in colder months where West Nile is prone in warmer months

Avoid Swine Flu: Practice the 3 Cs

There are presenter notes throughout the PowerPoint for reference.A world map depicting each of the three original infected areas is available and will appear after all three bullets have displayed.The first cover illustrates an oversized mosquito invading the personal space of a women who seems as through she is too good for the insects invasion. The fact that the mosquito is so large shows that New York may have a much larger problem on their hands than the small stature of a mosquito might depict. The womans face net shows that she has to take necessary precautions but her clothing and her snobby appearance demonstrate that New York does not typically have to deal with these warm-weathered, rural issues.

The second cover seen on the right shows another large mosquito this time flying in with the birds. This can relate two different narratives; first, the mosquito is attacking with the birds as both are known to have West Nile. Second, the mosquito is flying in for the appropriate seasonal change that the birds are taking place in depicting mosquito season since so many have risen causing infections in New York during the time that the illustration was done and the magazine released.*The blood brain barrier is a mechanism that creates a barrier between brain tissues and circulating blood; serves to protect the central nervous system.

Although this has the possibility of happening in the human body, most cases of West Nile Virus are not this serious and the risk of this happening is low. This slide is here to represent the worse case scenario because many viruses do not have the ability to cross the blood brain barrier like West Nile does.Scientists have not discovered how or why the virus is able to cross the barrier and get into the brain.The dots on this slide and the following two slides represent the number of people that may experience certain symptoms out of a total number of infected people. You can provide students with a better understanding of these numbers by using real populations to show the statistics.

For instance, if there are 1500 students in your entire school, 10 students would run the risk of having severe West Nile symptoms if everyone was sick, up to 300 students would experience mild symptoms, and up to 1200 students would not experience any symptoms at all. You may also relate the numbers to your city population or simply the number of students in your classroom.Have the students raise their hands when the answer to a question is true for their person. There are two polls.The 7 Ds can be credited to FIGHT the BITE at http://fightthebite.net/ where other resources and information can be found about WNV.

If you or the students are interested in how West Nile Virus compares to the recently discovered Swine Flu then the next few slides go over similarities and differences between the two and how to avoid getting sick with Swine Flu.This slide relates to the Mosquito Repellent Activity that is included with this lesson by explaining how Citronella plants work to repel the mosquitoes.*If students have previous knowledge about the Swine Flu, they can brainstorm similarities and differences between Swine Flu and West Nile Virus during this part of the presentation. If not, the following slide outlines these comparisons for them.**These tips come from http://www.healthyfellow.com/223/swine-flu-prevention/ where other resources and information on the Swine Flu can be found.