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 Can I Do to Prevent WNV?
The easiest and best way to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito
bites.
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When you are outdoors, use insect repellents containing DEET
(N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide). Follow the directions on the
package.
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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.
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Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to
keep mosquitoes out.
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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 Are the Symptoms of WNV?
WNV affects the central nervous system. Symptoms vary.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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 Else Should I Know?
If you find a dead bird: Don't handle the body with your bare
hands. Contact the Stoddard County Public Health Center for
instructions on reporting and disposing of the body.
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