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West Nile Virus:
What you should know!
For more information about West Nile Virus see Here
Information is provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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.
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.
Milder Symptoms in Some People. Up to 20 percent of the people who become infected will display symptoms which can
include fever, headache, and body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the
chest, stomach and back. Symptoms can last for as short as a few days, though even healthy people have been sick for
several weeks.
No Symptoms in Most People. 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?
Infected Mosquitoes. Most often, 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 been 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.
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 milder 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?
Milder WNV illness improves on its own, and people do not necessarily need to seek medical attention for this
infection though they may choose to do so. 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 Getting Sick from WNV?
People over 50 at higher risk to get sick. 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.
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 WNV before being used. 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.
Pregnancy and nursing do not increase risk of becoming infected with WNV. The risk that WNV may present to a fetus or
an infant infected through breastmilk is still being evaluated. Talk with your care provider is you have concerns.
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. 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 drains out. Keep
children's wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren't being used.
What Is the CDC Doing About WNV?
CDC is working with state and local health departments, the Food and Drug Administration and other government agencies,
as well as private industry, to prepare for and prevent new cases of WNV.
Some things CDC is doing include:
Coordinating a nation-wide electronic database where states share information about WNV
Helping states develop and carry out improved mosquito prevention and control programs
Developing better, faster tests to detect and diagnose WNV
Creating new education tools and programs for the media, the public, and health professionals
Opening new testing laboratories for WNV.
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.
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