Dr. Mike Pentella, UHL associate director of the Disease Control Division, has been appointed as a Clinical Associate Professor for the UI College of Public Health (CPH), Department of Epidemiology.

"The appointment represents a new era of collaboration between the College of Public Health and our state public health laboratory," said UHL Director Chris Atchison.

West Nile virus (WNV) is a disease that is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. Although less than 1 percent of those bitten by infected mosquitoes become severely ill, WNV can cause serious, life-altering and even fatal disease, so it is important to take the time to prevent mosquito bites. Just one mosquito bite can transmit West Nile virus or other diseases. There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for WNV; therefore, preventing mosquito bites is essential.