Dear Friend:

Many of us have watched as West Nile Virus has spread across the nation, carried by infected mosquitos.  This season, signs of West Nile Virus have been found in several California counties early in the year, suggesting that this could be an especially bad year for this disease.  I have a special feature on my website to give Californians important information about the disease, and steps to take to avoid exposure.  You can find this feature at http://boxer.senate.gov/wnile.htm.

Though most people have no visible symptoms from West Nile Virus, it can cause serious illness and even death in the elderly or those with compromised immune systems.  It can also be carried by and cause death in birds and other mammals. Prevention is essential if we are to fight the spread of West Nile.  I hope you will visit my web feature to learn more about what you can do to protect yourself and your community.

I encourage you to contact me if you have questions about this or any other federal matter. You can reach me at http://boxer.senate.gov/contact/webform.htm.

Sincerely,

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator

	U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer
	Contact:    U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer    United States Senate 112 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510   (202) 224-3553   Fax: (213) 894-5042