Can West Nile virus be spread from person-to-person?
West Nile virus infection is not transmitted from person to person. For example, you cannot get West Nile virus from touching or kissing a person who has the disease, or from a health care worker who has treated someone with the disease. How can I protect myself from West Nile virus? It is not necessary to limit any outdoor activities. However, you can and should try to reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. Reducing the mosquito population around your home and property can be accomplished by eliminating standing water: • Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers. • Remove all discarded tires on your property. Used tires are very significant mosquito breeding sites. • Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors. • Make sure roof gutters drain properly, and clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall. • Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when
