How is West Nile Virus primarily spread to humans?

West Nile Virus is primarily spread to humans through insect bites, specifically by mosquitoes that have fed on infected birds. The transmission cycle begins when mosquitoes become infected by feeding on the blood of birds that carry the virus. When these mosquitoes bite humans, they can transmit the virus, leading to potential infection.

In terms of the other options, contaminated water is not a known transmission vehicle for West Nile Virus, as it does not spread through water sources or consumption. Respiratory droplets are typically associated with viruses that spread through the air, such as influenza or COVID-19, and do not pertain to West Nile. Lastly, while direct contact with infected animals might seem plausible, the virus is not transmitted in this manner; humans cannot contract it by touching infected animals or their environments. Thus, the primary mode of transmission remains through mosquito bites.