Since the risk of severe disease is higher for people 50 and over, ClevelandSeniors.Com offers these basics on the West Nile Virus.

West Nile virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito, and can infect people, horses, many types of birds, and some other animals.

Most people who become infected with West Nile virus will have either no symptoms or only mild ones.

On rare occasions, West Nile virus infection can result in a severe and sometimes fatal illness known as West Nile encephalitis (an inflammation of the brain). The risk of severe disease is higher for persons 50 years of age and older.

There is no evidence to suggest that West Nile virus can be spread from person to person or from animal to person.

According to the Center for Disease Control the best prevention is to Avoid Mosquito Bites to Avoid Infection. The CDC says:

Human illness from West Nile virus is rare, even in areas where the virus has been reported. The chance that any one person is going to become ill from a mosquito bite is low.

You can further reduce your chances of becoming ill by protecting yourself from mosquito bites. To avoid mosquito bites:

• Apply insect repellent containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) when you're outdoors.
• Avoid applying repellent to children less than 2 years old. Use care in applying repellent to small children, and don't put repellent on their hands because it may get into their mouth or eyes and cause irritation.
• Read and follow the product directions whenever you use insect repellent.
• Wear long-sleeved clothes and long pants treated with repellent and stay indoors during peak mosquito feeding hours (dusk until dawn) to further reduce your risk.
• Limit the number of places available for mosquitos to lay their eggs by eliminating standing water sources from around your home.