Primary prevention

Community-level mosquito control programs and personal protective measures are required for prevention of West Nile virus infection.[27] Avoidance of mosquito bites is recommended, and strategies include staying indoors between dusk and dawn, using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and trousers, placing screens on windows, and removing standing water in which mosquitoes can breed.[28]

Since 2003, all donated blood in the US has been screened for West Nile virus using nucleic acid amplification tests.[29][30] Standard precautions should be taken when handling blood, blood products, or other body fluids that might be infected with West Nile virus.

No vaccines are licensed for use in humans.[27] Vaccines are being studied in clinical trials, but are not available as yet.[31][32]

Secondary prevention

West Nile virus infection is a notifiable condition. Blood transfusions are currently screened for West Nile virus in the US. Organ and tissue donors are not routinely screened in the US; however, some collection agencies have incorporated screening of donors into their process.[33] People with confirmed infection should not donate blood for 4 months after illness.[27]

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