Viruses and bacteria can cause encephalitis (an inflammation of the brain) in humans and other animals. West Nile encephalitis is an infection of the brain caused by West Nile virus, a close relative of St. Louis encephalitis virus. People get West Nile encephalitis from the bite of a mosquito that is infected with West Nile virus. West Nile virus is not transmitted from person to person.

For more information please click on any of the documents listed below:

Summary of human cases of West Nile virus in Michigan, 2002

Information about prevention, symptoms, and monitoring of West Nile virus.

Information on Communicable Disease Reporting in Michigan