Diseases

What is West Nile Virus?

West Nile Virus is an arbovirus. Arboviruses are spread to people from the bite of a mosquito. Mosquitoes spread this virus after they feed on infected birds and then bite people, other birds and animals. It is not spread by person-to-person contact and there is no evidence that people can get the virus by handling infected animals. West Nile Virus first appeared in the United States in September 1999, in New York City

How can I know if I have West Nile Virus

Most people do not become ill. However, about one - third (1/3) of the people that contract West Nile Virus develop a fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph glands and a skin rash. Only 1 percent of the people developed encephalitis (swelling of the brain) which causes headache, high fever, neck stiffness, confusion, coma, tremors, convulsions, paralysis, and in some cases, death.

How can I know if I am at risk for West Nile Virus?

Anyone can get infected, but people over 50 years old and those with weakened immune systems due to HIV/AIDs, cancer, or organ transplants are most at risk for the infection.

What are the signs and symptoms of West Nile Virus?

Symptoms usually occur in 3 to 15 days after the person is bit by the mosquito that carries the West Nile Virus. Most people do not develop any signs or symptoms. In 1/3 of all cases the individual experiences a mild "flu-like" illness that presents a fever, headache, eye pain, muscle and joint pain, a rash on the trunk, swollen lymph nodes, or nausea and vomiting.

What are the complications of West Nile Virus?

One percent of the West Nile infected population became severely ill and developed encephalitis (swelling of the brain). In rare cases the infection results in death.

How can West Nile Virus be prevented?

There is no vaccine to prevent the infection. There are no drugs to treat the infection. In the case of West Nile encephalitis, hospitalization, intravenous fluids, respiratory support (ventilator), prevention of secondary infections (such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, etc.) and good nursing care. Once infected with West Nile Virus the body develops immunity to the virus.

How can West Nile Virus be prevented?

Take precautions by controlling the breeding habitats of mosquitoes. Do not allow water to stand in barrels, tubs, catch basins for more than one week. These mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Stay indoors at dawn, dusk and early evening. Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin and clothing, a good repellent will contain 20 - 30 percent DET. No insect repellent should be used on children under 3 years of age.

How can I get more information?

National Institute of Health - Medline
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/westnilevirus.html

Center for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm