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General Impact According to the CDC (2003), most people infected with the West Nile virus will not have any type of illness. It is estimated that 20% of the people who become infected will develop West Nile fever and display mild flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, body aches, and occasionally a skin rash on the trunk of the body and swollen lymph glands. More severe cases of this virus can be called West Nile encephalitis, West Nile meningitis, or West Nile meningoencephalitis. Encephalitis refers to an inflammation of the brain, meningitis is an inflammation of the membrane around the brain and the spinal cord, and meningoencephalitis refers to inflammation of the brain and the membrane surrounding it. Symptoms of West Nile encephalitis (or meningitis) include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, and paralysis. More than 3500 cases and 200 deaths from West Nile virus were reported in the United States in 2002. NJDA (2001) states that this disease has had a devastating effect on the equine community. Between 1999 and 2002, many horses have been clinically affected with West Nile fever and many of those horses died. The economic and medical losses to the owners and the industry are significant. The CDC (2003) reports that over 110 species of birds are known to have been infected with West Nile virus. Infected birds, particularly crows and jays, can die or become ill, but most survive.          Location Specific Impacts: New Jersey (United States (USA))   Economic/Livelihoods: NJDA (2001) states that this disease has had a devastating effect on the equine community. Between 1999 and 2002, many horses have been clinically affected with West Nile fever and many of those horses died. The economic and medical losses to the owners and the industry are significant. Pathogenic: The CDC (2003) reports that West Nile Virus can infect humans if bitten by an infected mosquito. Patients exhibit flu-like symptoms, and more severe cases of the virus are called West Nile encephalitis, West Nile meningitis, or West Nile meningoencephalitis, all of which may lead to death in humans and other animals.