Worried about West Nile? The CDC says outbreaks of the viral illness have been reported from Virginia to California, with Mississippi being particularly hard hit. Most people infected with the virus suffer no long-term effects, but some people experience permanent neurological problems - so it pays to be safe.

Keep clicking for answers to six common questions about West Nile...

The simplest way to avoid being sickened by the West Nile virus is to avoid the bites of mosquitoes that carry the virus. Make sure your windows and doors have good screens, and get rid of mosquito breeding sites by getting rid of standing water in buckets, barrels, flower pots, kids' pools, etc. When you go outdoors, use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and long pants - especially around dusk and dawn. People over age 50 are at greatest risk of developing severe symptoms. They should be especially careful to avoid mosquito bites.

In rare cases, West Nile virus has spread via blood transfusions, organ transplants, and from mother to child during pregnancy or during breast-feeding. But the vast majority of cases come from mosquito bites. You can't contract the virus from casual contact with someone who is infected.

People typically develop symptoms between three days and two weeks after being bitten by an infected mosquito. If you think you've been infected, it's generally not necessary to seek medical attention unless you experience severe symptoms. But if you do experience severe headaches or confusion, see a doctor right away.

There is no vaccine, though scientists are working to develop one. There is a vaccine for preventing West Nile in horses, but humans should not use it.

There's no specific treatment for West Nile virus infection. But people with severe cases generally need to be hospitalized so they can receive intravenous fluids and help with breathing.