Our Purpose:
Develop and conduct enhanced bird, human and equine surveillance activities, focusing on transmission of West Nile Virus, but including transmission of other medically important arboviruses; document human cases; document human cases with new routes of virus transmission and educate the public about the causes of arboviral diseases, notify the public of viral activities throughout the state and provide information to help protect the public.
West Nile Virus Program
West Nile Virus (WNV) is a virus that is spread by infected mosquitoes. The virus usually infects birds, but it can be spread to humans by mosquitoes that feed on infected birds and then bite humans. The virus cannot be spread by person-to-person contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I Protect Myself?
What do I do if I find a dead bird?
Historically, West Nile Virus has been found in parts of Africa, West Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. The virus was identified in the United States for the first time during 1999. West Nile Virus is closely related to the virus that causes St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE), which has caused illnesses in Arkansas residents in the past.
Current West Nile Virus Activity in Arkansas
Tracking Measures Throughout the State
Birds | Veterinary
Press Releases
Read the Latest Updates from ADH
WNV Surveillance in Arkansas
The summer of 1999, West Nile Virus, a mosquito-borne disease never before reported in the Western hemisphere, caused encephalitis in 62 people and numerous horses in the New York City and Long Island area. There were seven human and over 10 equine deaths. Birds are the natural hosts for the virus, which can be transmitted from infected birds to humans and other animals through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Scientists and public health officials are concerned with the spread to other areas of the country, and have encouraged states to continue ongoing surveillance activities for WNV and other arboviruses. Since birds are the natural host for WNV, an unusual characteristic noted for WNV is that it causes high mortality among infected birds, especially crows, blue jays, robins, hawks and owls. Thus, these birds have been an important surveillance mechanism for identifying geographic areas of viral activity.
In response to the request for increased surveillance, The ADH was awarded a substantial grant from the CDC to enhance WNV and other arbovirus surveillance. Surveillance activities will include but not be limited to the following:
Human Testing - The ADH has purchased the lab equipment necessary to perform human arbovirus testing at the ADH Laboratory. All human samples will be tested for West Nile Virus, St. Louis Encephalitis, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis free of charge. Serum is the specimen of choice, but cerebral spinal fluid can be tested as well. One of our microbiologists was sent to the arboviral division of the CDC in Ft. Collins to receive expert training in arboviral testing. All clinicians within the state have been encouraged to send samples from suspect encephalitis, meningoencephalitis, or meningitis cases to the ADH to help obtain an appropriate diagnosis. Clinicians were alerted ADH's testing capacity using newsletters.
Equine Testing - Veterinarians have also been encouraged to send serum samples to the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Laboratory for equine cases of encephalitis, meningoencephalitis, or meningitis.
Dead Bird Surveillance - Certain bird species are highly susceptible to WNV, especially crows, blue jays, robins, hawks and owls. Thus, the reporting, collection, and testing of dead birds have been employed as a surveillance tool for WNV. When one of these dead birds is found, ADH asks that the public bring it to the local health unit. The local health unit will ship the dead bird to the ADH Laboratory for testing. Dead crows, blue jays, robins, hawks and owls are the only species collected for testing, but all other species should be reported.
Abatement
Expert Advice on Prevention and How to Do it Safely
Brochures and Materials
All documents are in PDF format unless otherwise noted.
Department of Health Hotline
The health department has established an automated West Nile virus phone line to respond to public inquiries. If you have a question, please call 1-877-296-9555 or in Little Rock, 296-9555.
CDC Hotline
Additionally, the CDC is providing a toll free number for any questions regarding West Nile Virus or any other health related subject. 1-888-246-2675; 1-888-246-2857 (Spanish)
Related Links
| Office | Address | Phone | Fax | | West Nile Virus | 4815 W. Markham Street, Slot 32
Little Rock, AR 72205 | 501-280-4186 | 501-280-4060 |
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