General Information - FAQs:

Summer is mosquito season in many states and the time most likely to see increased reporting about West Nile Virus (WNV) and its impact on birds, animals, and people. The CDC reports that a single mosquito bite can give you West Nile Virus. Using a mosquito repellent can improve your odds of avoiding West Nile virus.

Residents of areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk of getting West Nile encephalitis; persons over 50 years of age have the highest risk of severe disease. It is unknown if people with immune-compromised health conditions are at increased risk for WNV disease. Because of public health concerns, the CDC tracks the virus and has a program to control infectious disease where possible.

For more information, you may want to visit the following sites:

About West Nile Virus:

West Nile Virus: What You Need to Know (CDC)
2011 West Nile Virus Activity by State (CDC)
2011 West Nile Virus Activity by County (CDC)
Five Common Myths about West Nile Virus (CDC)
West Nile Virus Research (NIH/NIAID)

Preventing and Treating West Nile Virus:

Fight the Bite! (CDC)
Updated Information regarding Insect Repellents (CDC)
Insect Repellent Use and Safety (CDC)
Workplace Safety (CDC/NIOSH)
Protecting Pets from Mosquito-Borne Diseases (FDA)

What is a flu pandemic? Is it different from an epidemic?

A disease epidemic occurs when there are more cases of that disease than normal. A pandemic is a worldwide epidemic of a disease.

An influenza pandemic may occur when a new flu virus appears for which the human population has no immunity. With the increase in global transport, as well as urbanization and overcrowded conditions in some areas, epidemics due to a new flu viruses are likely to take hold around the world, and become a pandemic faster than before.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has defined the phases of a pandemic to provide a global framework to aid countries in pandemic preparedness and response planning. Pandemics can be either mild or severe in the illness and death they cause, and the severity of a pandemic can change over the course of that pandemic.

Where can I go if I can't afford immunizations for my child?

Federally-funded health centers care for you, even if you have no health insurance. You pay what you can afford, based on your income. Health centers provide

checkups when you're well
treatment when you're sick
complete care when you're pregnant
immunizations and checkups for your children
dental care and prescription drugs for your family
mental health and substance abuse care if you need it

Health centers are in most cities and many rural areas. To search for the Health Center in your area, visit http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/