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What is the West Nile Virus (WNV)?
- The West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne virus . See the West Nile Virus Fact sheet for information.
- WNV was first isolated in 1937 in a woman living in the West Nile district of Uganda. The virus first came to North America in 1999.
- WNV is an epidemic in many countries in Asia and Africa. Outbreaks have also occurred in Israel, Egypt, South Africa, Romania, Morocco, Tunisia, Italy, Russia, France, US A, and most recently in Canada.
How many Mosquitoes Carry the WNV?
- There are about 2700 species of mosquito in the world. Ontario has identified 51 species, only 8 have been found to carry the WNV
- Most of these mosquitoes like to live near humans and breed in small containers of water, rather than natural ponds.
- Only female mosquitoes bite in order to get a protein from our blood prior to laying eggs. Otherwise, mosquitoes feed on plant nectar.
How is the WNV Spread?
West Nile Virus is spread to people and animals through the bite of infected
mosquitoes. The mosquitoes get the virus by feeding on infected birds. The virus
is NOT transmitted from person to person contact.
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Adapted from the Public Health Agency of Canada, October/2007
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 27 April 2010 )
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Health Topics 
Protective Clothing during WNv Season