PLEASE ANSWER ALL SOON Read information about the West Nile virus and its effect on the bird population in Ohio. If your state has not been affected yet, choose another state that has. In your state, how many birds have tested positive for West Nile virus? Estimate what percentage of the total resident bird population this number stands for.

Study the data from the USGS website to learn more about the spread of the disease. Write a brief description of what has happened to the population since 1997.

Where in the United States and what year was the first documented case?

What role does the bird play in the transmission of the virus?

Does a reptile play the same role?

Can mammals transmit the virus to other organisms?

Why would a rainy year cause an increase in cases of the virus?

Would you predict that states with a drier climate would most likely have fewer documented cases of infection? Go to the USGS website and see if your prediction is accurate.

What are the symptoms of West Nile virus?