West Nile virus is an arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) most commonly spread by infected mosquitoes. West Nile virus can cause febrile illness, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord).

West Nile virus transmission has been documented in Europe and the Middle East, Africa, India, parts of Asia, and Australia. It was first detected in North America in 1999, and has since spread across the continental United States and Canada.

Most people get infected with West Nile virus by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to humans and other animals.

In a very small number of cases, West Nile virus has been spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, and from mother to baby during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding.

No symptoms in most people. Most people (70-80%) who become infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms.

Febrile illness in some people. About 1 in 5 people who are infected will develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Most people with this type of West Nile virus disease recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.

Severe symptoms in a few people. Less than 1% of people who are infected will develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues). The symptoms of neurologic illness can include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures, or paralysis.

Recovery from severe disease may take several weeks or months. Some of the neurologic effects may be permanent. About 10 percent of people who develop neurologic infection due to West Nile virus will die.

There are no medications to treat or vaccines to prevent West Nile virus infection. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to reduce fever and relieve some symptoms.

People with milder symptoms typically recover on their own, although some symptoms may last for several weeks.

In more severe cases, patients often need to be hospitalized to receive supportive treatment, such as intravenous fluids, pain medication, and nursing care.

Most people are infected from June through September.

The most effective way to avoid West Nile virus disease is to prevent mosquito bites:

• Use insect repellents when you go outdoors. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide longer-lasting protection.
• Wear long sleeves and pants from dusk through dawn when many mosquitoes are most active.
• Install or repair screens on windows and doors. If you have it, use your air conditioning.
• Help reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home. Empty standing water from containers such as flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires, and birdbaths.

Most people who become infected with West Nile virus will have no symptoms.  Approximately 20% of people infected will experience headache, fever, skin rash, body aches, and/or swollen lymph glands.  These mild flu-like symptoms may develop 3-14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.  In a small number of people-about 1 in 150- the virus causes life-threatening inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or inflammation of the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).

3-14 days.

Remember most people who become infected with West Nile will have no symptoms at all.  In those who develop symptoms they may last from one to several days and in those rare cases hospitalization may occur and it could take one to three months for all the symptoms to completely disappear.

You should contact your health-care provider immediately.  If necessary, a blood sample may be drawn, and sent to a laboratory for testing.

A blood sample must be drawn and sent to a lab for testing to determine if you have WNV.

There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus.  Severe cases may result in hospitalization, to assure proper monitoring and supervision along with supportive care.

Remember the four D’s...

• Dress appropriately-long sleeve shirts and pants.
• Dusk and dawn - limit your outdoor activity during these peak mosquito hours.
• Drain any standing water-old tires, flower pots, birdbaths, etc.
• DEET-apply an insect repellant containing 20% to 30% DEET.  Follow directions

Yes there is. -The CDC recently adopted new repellent guidance for the mosquito season. The updated guidance includes addition of two active ingredients - picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus.

No.

The principal route of infection is by the bite of an infected mosquito. You may become infected by blood transfusion or by organ transplants, however these routes are very rare.

Remember most people that are infected with the WNV will not get sick.  Maybe 20% will get symptoms of the virus and only 1 in 150 will get sick enough to require hospitalization.

Remember, the route of infection is by the bite of an infected mosquito.  You may become infected by blood transfusion or by organ transplants, however these routes are very rare.

At this time, it is unknown if your unborn child would be affected.  Take precautions yourself to avoid mosquito bites and be sure to contact your doctor if you experience any symptoms.

Remember, the route of infection is by the bite of an infected mosquito.  There is no evidence of direct bird-to-human infection.  Birds do have their own external parasites and dead animals of all kinds can be infected with salmonella and botulism, so care should be taken when disposing of the carcass.  Like all wild game, hunters should be taking protective measures when handling their kills and cook game thoroughly.

Anyone can be infected with the virus and possibly develop severe symptoms.  Like many diseases, young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are most likely to develop the severe forms of WNV.  Everyone should take appropriate precautions.

You may become infected by blood transfusion or by organ transplants, however these routes are very rare.  If you have received blood transfusions or an organ transplant be sure to contact your doctor if you experience any symptoms.

Yes.  You will have developed antibodies to the virus, but the virus itself is no longer present and infectious.