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West Nile virus is a potentially fatal illness spread by mosquitos. The virus was first identified in 1937 in the West Nile region of Uganda and spread to the United States around 1999, where it now is considered a seasonal epidemic in North America that flares up in the summer and continues into the fall.
Symptoms of West Nile Virus [more from the CDC]
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West Nile Virus affects the central nervous system and according to the CDC, symptoms vary greatly from none at all to encephalitis, a potentially fatal inflammation of the brain.
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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.
- source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]
Recent History of West Nile Virus [more from the CDC]
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According to the CDC:
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West Nile virus was first isolated from a febrile adult woman in the West Nile District of Uganda in 1937. The ecology was characterized in Egypt in the 1950s. The virus became recognized as a cause of severe human meningoencephalitis (inflammation of the spinal cord and brain) in elderly patients during an outbreak in Israel in 1957. Equine disease was first noted in Egypt and France in the early 1960s. The first appearance of WN virus in North America in 1999, with encephalitis reported in humans and horses.
- source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]
How Does West Nile Virus Spread?
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Generally West Nile Virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become carriers when they feed on infected birds. Once infected, mosquitoes can then spread West Nile Virus to humans and other animals when they bite.
West Nile Virus is not spread through casual contact such as touching or kissing a person with the virus.
West Nile Virus Treatment
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According to the CDC, there is no specific treatment for West Nile Virus infection.
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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.
- source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]
West Nile Virus Prevention
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The best prevention is to avoid mosquito bites. When outdoors, use insect repellents containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) wear long sleeves and pants. Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn so consider staying indoors during these times or taking preventative measures with repellent or clothing.
Use screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
Eliminate mosquito breeding grounds by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and other containers. Change the water in pet dishes and bird baths weekly.
Don't handle dead birds with bare hands.
Insect Repellents
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Insect repellents [Jungle Juice, OFF!, etc.] containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) are shown to be the most effective at repelling mosquitos. Other repellents such as Avon Skin So Soft can also provide some protection against mosquitos.
For more information visit the CDC West Nile Virus Factbook.
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