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West Nile Virus
What Is West Nile Virus?
West Nile virus (WNV) is a potentially serious illness. Experts believe WNV is
established as a seasonal epidemic in North America that flares up in the summer
and continues into the fall. This fact sheet contains important information that
can help you recognize and prevent West Nile virus.
What Are the Symptoms of WNV?
WNV affects the central nervous system. Symptoms vary.
 | No Symptoms in Most People. Approximately 80 percent of people who are
infected with WNV will not show any symptoms at all. |
| Mild Symptoms in Some People. Up to 20 percent of the people who
become infected will display mild symptoms, including fever, headache, and
body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin
rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms typically last a few days. |
| Serious Symptoms in a Few People. About one in 150 people infected
with WNV will develop severe illness. The severe 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. |
How Does It Spread?
| Infected Mosquitoes.
Generally, WNV is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes are WNV
carriers that become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected
mosquitoes can then spread WNV to humans and other animals when they bite. |
| Transfusions, Transplants, and Mother-to-Child. In a very small number
of cases, WNV also has spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants,
breastfeeding and even during pregnancy from mother to baby. |
| Not through touching. WNV is not spread through casual contact such as
touching or kissing a person with the virus. |
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How Soon Do Infected People Get Sick?
People typically develop symptoms between 3 and 14 days after they are bitten by
the infected mosquito.
How Is WNV Infection Treated?
There is no specific treatment for WNV infection. In cases with mild symptoms,
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 Should I Do if I Think I Have WNV?
Mild WNV illness improves on its own, and people do not necessarily need to seek
medical attention for this infection. If you develop symptoms of severe WNV
illness, such as unusually severe headaches or confusion, seek medical attention
immediately. Severe WNV illness usually requires hospitalization. Pregnant women
and nursing mothers are encouraged to talk to their doctor if they develop
symptoms that could be WNV.
What Is the Risk of Catching WNV?
For most, risk is low. Less than 1 percent of people who are bitten by
mosquitoes develop any symptoms of the disease and relatively few mosquitoes
actually carry WNV.
Greater risk for those outdoors a lot. People who spend a lot of time
outdoors are more likely to be bitten by an infected mosquito. They should take
special care to avoid mosquito bites.
People over 50 can get sicker. People over the age of 50 are more likely
to develop serious symptoms of WNV if they do get sick and should take special
care to avoid mosquito bites.
Risk through medical procedures is low. The risk of getting WNV through
blood transfusions and organ transplants is very small, and should not prevent
people who need surgery from having it. If you have concerns, talk to your
doctor before surgery.
Pregnancy and nursing do not increase risk of becoming infected with WNV.
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What Can I Do to Prevent WNV?
The easiest and best way to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites.
| When you are outdoors, use insect repellents containing DEET (N,
N-diethyl-meta-toluamide). Follow the directions on the package. |
| Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Consider staying indoors
during these times or use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants.
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 drainage holes in tire swings so water
drains out. Keep children's wading pools empty and on their sides when they
aren't being used. |
What Else Should I Know?
If you find a dead bird: Don't handle the body with your bare hands.
Contact your local health department for instructions on reporting and disposing
of the body. |
Source: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/wnv_factSheet.htm
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