Social Media Samples

Purpose

  • Use key messages to develop social media messaging for communities and healthcare providers.
  • See sample messages for different audiences below and download CDC-developed graphics.
A hiker applies mosquito repellent at the trailhead of a hike.

Also in the toolkit

Key Messages
Use key messages to develop other communication and health education materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about West Nile virus risk, prevention, and more.
Media Relations
Media engagement can be a valuable opportunity to communicate health information to the public.
Print Products and Templates
Download printable products and templates that are adaptable for outreach to different communities.

Usage guidance

Tip

Download PowerPoint templates to customize graphics to your brand or style:

Alerts

General alert

View Larger
Man spraying arm with repellent. Text: West Nile Virus Alert. Stay safe! Prevent mosquito bites.
Customizable general alert for the public.

Download template to customize for Facebook and X or Instagram.

Sample message

Several people in [AREA(S)] have gotten sick from West Nile virus. Protect yourself and your family by preventing mosquito bites:

  • Use EPA-registered insect repellent.
  • Wear long, loose-fitting shirts and pants.
  • Avoid outdoor activities from dusk to dawn.
  • Use screens on windows and doors or air conditioning.

Outbreak updates

View Larger
Canal with standing water, surrounded by grass. Text: West Nile Virus Outbreak. Stay safe! Prevent mosquito bites.
Customizable outbreak alert for the public.

Download template to customize for Facebook and X or Instagram.

Sample message

There is an active outbreak of West Nile virus in [AREA(S)]. West Nile virus can cause severe illness. Protect yourself and your loved ones: use EPA-registered insect repellent and take other steps to prevent mosquito bites.

Risk factors

Age and risk

View Larger
Older couple walks outside on a forest path. Text highlights that risk of severe illness increases with age.
Risk of severe illness increases with age.

Download for Facebook and X or Instagram

Sample message

Risk of severe illness and complications from West Nile virus increase with age. Protect yourself and your loved ones: use EPA-registered insect repellent and take other steps to prevent mosquito bites. Preventing West Nile | West Nile Virus | CDC

Chronic medical conditions

View Larger
Doctor measures blood pressure. Cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease increase risk of severe illness.
Certain chronic medical conditions increase the risk of severe illness.

Download for Facebook and X or Instagram

Sample message

Certain chronic medical conditions increase your risk of severe illness from West Nile virus. Use EPA-registered insect repellent and take other steps to prevent mosquito bites. Preventing West Nile | West Nile Virus | CDC

Medications that weaken the immune system

View Larger
Woman sits in chair for treatment. Taking medicines like rituximab or ocrelizumab increase the risk of severe illness.
Certain medications increase the risk of severe illness.

Download for Facebook and X or Instagram

Sample message

Some treatments can increase your risk of severe illness from West Nile virus. Use EPA-registered insect repellent and take other steps to prevent mosquito bites. Preventing West Nile | West Nile Virus | CDC

Organ transplantation

View Larger
Nurse holds heart-shaped toy by chest. Organ transplant recipients are at higher risk of severe illness.
People who have received an organ transplant are at higher risk of severe illness.

Download for Facebook and X or Instagram

Sample message

Having an organ transplant increases your risk of severe West Nile virus illness because the medicines you take weaken your immune system. Use EPA-registered insect repellent and take other steps to prevent mosquito bites. Preventing West Nile | West Nile Virus | CDC

Healthcare providers

Consider symptoms

View Larger
Doctor talks to patient in wheelchair. Clinicians: consider West Nile virus in patients with meningitis or encephalitis.
Patients with meningitis or encephalitis could have West Nile virus disease.

Download for Facebook and X or Instagram

Sample message

There is an active outbreak of West Nile virus in [LOCATION(S)]. Clinicians, know the signs and symptoms. Consider testing for West Nile virus infection in patients with a febrile or neurologic illness. Counsel patients to prevent mosquito bites. Clinical Signs and Symptoms of West Nile Virus Disease | West Nile Virus | CDC

Consider season and symptoms

View Larger
Doctor listens to patient. Clinicians: consider WNV if it's mosquito season and a patient has relevant symptoms.
Patients with flu-like or unexplained neurological symptoms could have West Nile virus disease.

Download for Facebook and X or Instagram

Sample message

Mosquito season is here, and West Nile virus was just detected in [LOCATION(S)]. Clinicians, keep an eye out for patients with a febrile or neurologic illness and history of possible exposure to mosquitoes. Counsel patients to prevent mosquito bites. Clinical Signs and Symptoms of West Nile Virus Disease | West Nile Virus | CDC

Testing

View Larger
Laboratory worker holds a vial of blood. Clinicians: test for WNV-specific IgM antibodies. State labs can confirm tests.
Test for specific IgM antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid or serum.

Download for Facebook and X or Instagram

Sample message

If you suspect your patient has West Nile virus, test for IgM antibodies in serum and/or cerebrospinal fluid. RT-PCR may be needed for patients who are immunocompromised, especially if they are on B-cell depleting therapies. Clinical Testing and Diagnosis for West Nile Virus Disease | West Nile Virus | CDC

Continuing education

View Larger
Group of people sitting in chairs. Clinicians: learn about West Nile virus diagnosis and management and get CME credit.
Get continuing medical education credit by learning about West Nile virus disease.

Download for Facebook and X or Instagram

Sample message

Mosquito season is here, and West Nile virus was just detected in [LOCATION(S]. Test your knowledge and learn more about West Nile virus: https://bit.ly/WestNileTraining

Fight the Bite campaign

CDC provides several materials for download that can be paired with mosquito bite prevention messaging for the public.

Fight the Bite thumbnail
Fight the Bite
Fight the Bite campaign information and social media graphics for use on your social media accounts.
Print
Content Source:
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)