Most often, WNV is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Viruses that are spread by mosquitoes are called “arboviruses.” Mosquitoes are WNV carriers (“vectors”) that become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread WNV to humans and other animals when they bite.
All donated blood is checked for WNV before being used. The risk of getting WNV through blood transfusions and organ transplants is very small, and should not prevent people who need surgery from having it. Transmission during pregnancy from mother to baby or transmission to an infant via breast-feeding is extremely rare.
West Nile virus is not spread through casual contact such as touching or kissing a person with the virus, or by breathing in the virus.
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Website Accessibility Statement
Kern Mosquito & Vector Control District (the "District") is committed to ensuring that its services are accessible to all
members of the public. As part of this commitment, the District strives to provide an accessible website compatible with
the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.1, AA, and commercial screen reading software. Features of the
website are created to allow individuals with vision and other impairments to understand and use the website to the same
degree as someone without disabilities.
If you need any special assistance or accommodations:
Contact our compliance support team via telephone at: (888) 765-1970
Ongoing Compliance Information
Compliance Coordinator
The District has designated a Compliance Coordinator for website disability-related accommodations. The Compliance
Coordinator has received training in website accessibility and updates the site in accordance with those best
practices and requirements.
Compliance Procedures
The District is working to ensure all website content complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act
and controlling State laws. In an ongoing effort to continually improve and remediate accessibility issues,
the website is regularly scanned to ensure ongoing compliance, and timely changes are made to any inaccessible
content if found.
Accessible Documents Policy
The District is committed to providing all documents hosted on the website in an accessible format or making accessible
alternatives available.
Linked Documents and Third Parties
Please note that this site may link out to third-party websites that do not have accessible content. This site may
also include documents provided by third parties. While we cannot control the accessibility of content provided by
third parties, we are happy to assist any member of the public with reading and accessing content on our site.
Report a Website Accessibility Issue
We are committed to your ability to access all content, and we will respond to all requests in a timely manner.
If you need assistance or accommodations while accessing content on this website, please contact our Compliance
Coordinator via the form below: