West Nile Virus
West Nile virus (WNV) is a potentially serious illness, which may be carried by mosquitoes. Experts believe West Nile virus is established as a seasonal epidemic in North America, which flares up in the summer and continues into the fall.
What Can I Do to Prevent West Nile Virus?
- The easiest and best way to avoid West Nile virus is to prevent mosquito bites.
- When you are outdoors, use CDC-recommended insect repellents.
- Many mosquitos are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times, or consider staying indoors during these hours.
- Light-colored clothing can help you see mosquitoes that land on you. Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
- Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water can drain out. Keep children's wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren't being used.
What Are the West Nile Virus Symptoms?
West Nile virus affects the central nervous system. Symptoms vary.
- Serious West Nile virus symptoms: About one in 150 people infected with WNV will develop severe illness. The severe West Nile symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent.
- Milder West Nile virus symptoms: Up to 20 percent of the people who become infected will display symptoms that can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph glands and a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms can last for as little as a few days, although even healthy people can be sick for several weeks.
- No West Nile virus symptoms: Approximately 80 percent of people (about 4 out of 5) who are infected with WNV will not show any symptoms at all.
How Does West Nile Virus Spread?
- Most often, WNV is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become carriers of West Nile virus bacteria after they become infected by feeding on infected birds. When they bite, infected mosquitoes spread WNV to humans and animals.
- In a very small number of cases, West Nile virus has also been spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, breastfeeding and even during pregnancy from mother to baby.
- West Nile Virus is not contracted through casual contact such as touching or kissing a person with the West Nile virus bacteria.
West Nile Virus Treatment
How Soon Do Infected People Get Sick?
People typically develop West Nile virus symptoms between 3 and 14 days after they are bitten by the infected mosquito.
How Is West Nile Virus Infection Treated?
There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus infection. In milder cases, people experience symptoms such as fever and aches that pass on their own. In more severe cases, people usually need to go to the hospital, where they can receive supportive treatment including intravenous fluids, help with breathing and nursing care.
What Is the Risk Of Getting Sick from West Nile Virus?
People over the age of 50 are more likely to develop serious West Nile virus symptoms if they do get sick and should take special care to avoid mosquito bites. Being outside means you're at risk. The more time you're outdoors, the more time you could be bitten by an infected mosquito. Pay attention to avoiding mosquito bites if you spend a lot of time outside, either working or playing.
Risk through medical procedures is very low. All donated blood is checked for West Nile virus before being used. The risk of getting West Nile virus through blood transfusions and organ transplants is extremely small and should not prevent people who need surgery from having it. If you have concerns, talk to your doctor.
[Source: www.cdc.gov]