It’s that time of the year again. West Nile virus is in the news, and it’s turning up all over the country. We’ve got the facts, and we’re just itchin’ to share them with you.

What is it? West Nile virus is a potentially serious infection that is spread by mosquitoes. One reason it receives so much attention in the news is that it’s new to the US. In fact, West Nile has only been documented in the western hemisphere since 1999. Since then, it has appeared every year.

How does it spread? West Nile virus lives and reproduces in birds, but is spread to people by mosquitoes.

How dangerous is it? The majority of people who are infected, about 80 percent, will never know. They’ll fight off the virus and won’t have any symptoms. But about 20 percent of those infected will have flu-like symptoms – fever, aches, nausea, and sometimes rashes. A very small minority, less than one percent, will develop West Nile encephalitis -  a severe inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. These people may experience convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, coma, and (very rarely) death.

How widespread is West Nile virus in the US? Not very. There were only 663 cases documented last year.

Who’s most at risk? We’re not sure exactly why, but adults over 50 are most likely to fall seriously ill as a result of West Nile virus.

How can we protect ourselves? The best way to be safe is to protect yourself from transmission – that means avoiding mosquito bites! You can cover up, or use an EPA-approved insect repellent. Take extra care at dusk and dawn, which is when mosquitoes are most active. And finally, help keep mosquito populations low by taking away their breeding grounds. Don’t let flower pots, barrels, or other containers collect standing water.

How does ZocDoc feel about mosquito bites? Easy question! ‘Itchy’ is our least favorite emotion.

Want to speak to a professional about West Nile virus? Find a doctor today.