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West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus (WNV) is a single-stranded RNA virus from the family Flaviviridae.  The virus is transmitted from host to host primarily by mosquito after it has fed on infected birds.  The virus then spreads by the bite of the infected mosquito to humans and other animals including horses and, in rare instances, domestic pets.

The virus is not spread through casual contact with infected individuals.

WNV first appeared in North America in the summer of 1999, where it was responsible for an outbreak in New York and surrounding states.  Over the next few years, the virus spread throughout the south and west, and by 2003 the virus had been detected in 46 states and Canada.

The symptoms typically take 3-14 days to manifest after an individual suffers the bite of an infected mosquito.  Milder forms of the virus tend to clear up without any treatment, whereas more severe forms often require hospitalization.  There is no specific treatment at this time for WNV.

Methods for detecting WNV are also limited. Culturing is not feasible, and enzyme assays are not always sensitive enough or can provide false results.

Molecular testing methods such as PCR testing are much more sensitive, faster, and easier to perform.  Genes specific for WNV are used as targets for molecular probes and for rapid PCR lab testing techniques. 

Microbac Laboratories, Inc. understands the need to diagnose this illness as quickly as possible so that health officials and other government agencies can receive proper notice.  Responding quickly is critical to deter outbreaks and future infections.

Contact Microbac today to perform preliminary PCR testing for WNV on mosquito pools and organs from infected birds.

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For more information, contact:
Dr. Kim Baughman, Director of Development
Microbac Laboratories, Inc.
kbaughman@microbac.com

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