The virus is spread through mosquito bites, although in most cases, the person bitten will not get sick. If a person does come down with the illness, the symptoms are usually mild and flu-like. Occasionally, however, West Nile can lead to serious conditions such as encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, or meningitis, an inflammation of the lining of the brain and the spinal cord. People over 50 are most at risk of becoming severely ill as a result of West Nile.

Alexandria and Arlington will also be collecting dead birds and sending them to Richmond for testing, although that aspect of the West Nile prevention program will be more limited than in years past. Alexandria, for example, is mapping locations of every reported dead bird to try to detect patterns but is no longer testing each one for the virus.

To report a dead bird in Alexandria, call 703-838-4400, Ext. 261. To report a dead bird in Arlington, call 703-931-9241, Ext. 200. Arlington residents with questions about West Nile can also call 703- 228-7WNV (7968).