From Vincent Iannelli, M.D.,
Your Guide to Pediatrics.
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About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Kate Grossman, MD

So are your children at risk from the West Nile virus?

No. Children aren't especially at high risk for West Nile virus infections (there have been relatively few reported cases in children under 19 years of age). Of the 4156 human West Nile Virus cases in 2002, only 130 were in children (about 3% of cases), and there were no deaths in children. However, since kids are often outside and are prone to being bitten by mosquitoes, you may want to take some steps to protect your children, including:

• Making sure to keep as much of their skin covered with clothing as possible, including a long sleeve shirt, long pants, socks, and a hat.
• Wearing light colored clothing, so as not to attract bugs.
• Avoiding using any scented soaps or other products on your children, since the fragrances can also attract insects.
• Using an insect repellent regularly. Commonly used insect repellents that can usually be safely used in children include those with less than 10% DEET, or others with citronella or soybean oil. New reports suggest that an insect repellent with 30% DEET is safe for kids too.
• Using window and door screens to prevent insects from getting inside your house.
• Empty standing water around your house where mosquitoes can breed.
• Avoid outdoor activities during peak mosquito biting times, from dusk (early evening) to dawn (early morning).

Even if the West Nile virus hasn't yet been reported where you live, you might want to look for and report any dead birds that you find around your home, since they may be infected and this is often how the virus is first discovered in a new area. The species of birds that can become infected will depend on where you live, but American Crows and blue jays are the most common species of birds affected. If you find one of these dead birds or a large number of dead birds of any species, you should call your local health department.

In conclusion, although the West Nile virus is something you should be aware of, it is not necessarily something you have to worry about. Keep in mind that 'even in areas where the virus is circulating, very few mosquitoes are infected with the virus' and 'even if the mosquito is infected, less than 1% of people who get bitten and become infected will get severely ill.'

And remember that children aren't especially at risk, at least no more than the general population. Instead, elderly people are considered to be at more high risk for serious infections from the West Nile virus.

Still, if you or your children spend a lot of time outdoors, it makes sense to take steps to avoid mosquito bites.

The source of many of the facts in this article are from the CDC guide to the West Nile Virus.