West Nile Virus
This disease has hit the headlines over the past few years, especially with its arrival in the USA and its very rapid dispersal to almost all North American states.
The problem with this disease is its rapid dispersal by migratory birds. Mosquitoes that bite an infected bird are able to pass the viral disease to humans. Most people who are infected either show no symptoms or develop a mild illness that includes fever, headache and body aches before recovering fully. Older people are more likely to develop severe encephalitis or meningitis if they become infected. There is no vaccine against the disease.
