West Nile virus

The answer is A, 1%.

Infection with the West Nile virus can cause serious illness and even death from West Nile encephalitis, and the risk of serious illness is greater for those age 50 and above. Fortunately, the risk of serious illness after being bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus is small -- only about one percent of those bitten an infected mosquito will get sick. Most people who contract the virus will have no symptoms, or only mild ones, and they'll then be immune to the virus.

Nevertheless, health officials are cautioning people to take steps to protect themselves from possible exposure by wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outside, to use mosquito repellent containing the compound DEET, and to stay indoors at dawn, dusk and early evening when mosquitoes are most active.

If you have sources of standing water around your home where mosquitoes can breed, such as old tires or clogged gutters, take steps to eliminate them. Officials also urge people to replace the water in bird baths, wading pools and the like at least once a week.

Resources

Recent Marion County Health Department announcment regarding West Nile

Latest news on West Nile virus and advice about protecting yourself from it from the Indiana State Department of Health

CDC West Nile virus home page