West Nile Encephalitis (cont.)
What are the symptoms of West Nile virus?
Mild infections are common with the West Nile virus. Symptoms of a
mild infection include fever, headache, and body aches, which are
often accompanied by a skin rash and swollen lymph nodes.
More severe infections are less common and are marked by headache,
high fever, neck stiffness, stupor (sleepiness), disorientation,
coma, tremors, occasional convulsions, paralysis, and rarely death.
Death rates range from 3%-15% and are higher in the elderly.
When is there an increased risk for infection?
The risk of infection is highest during mosquito season and does not lower until mosquito activity ceases for the season (when freezing temperatures occur). In temperate areas of the world, cases of West Nile virus infection occur primarily in the late summer or early fall. In southern climates where temperatures are milder, West Nile virus infections can occur year round.
Who is at risk for getting West Nile virus?
All residents of areas where active cases have been identified are at risk of developing West Nile virus infection. People
who are 50 years of age or older have the highest risk for more severe cases.
How is West Nile virus treated?
There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus infection. Intensive
supportive therapy is directed toward the complications of brain infections.
Antiinflammatory medications, intravenous fluids, and intensive medical monitoring may be required in severe cases. There is no specific antibiotic or antidote for the viral infection. There is also no vaccine to prevent the virus.
Is a woman's pregnancy at risk if she gets West Nile
virus?
There is no clear evidence that a pregnancy is at risk due to
infection with West Nile virus.
What can a community do to reduce the risk of an outbreak of
the West Nile virus?
First, a community can monitor the bird population, including surveillance of birds that are sick or have died of disease, for the virus.
Second, the community can watch out for stagnant water, particularly if it is nutrient-laden; it is inviting for
Culex mosquitoes.
Third, widespread mosquito-control efforts, including the use of spraying and larvacide, may be warranted. However, even with rigorous surveillance, spraying, and larvaciding, the virus may still infect people.
Next: What can a person do to reduce the risk of becoming infected with
the West Nile virus? »
- Rash - Learn about rash causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Common skin rashes include poison ivy, hives, shingles, eczema, contact dermatitis, ringworm, psoriasis and impetigo.
- Fever - Get the facts on fever treatment (in children and adults). Learn ways to bring down a high fever and know the signs of other serious types of major illness.
- Encephalitis and Meningitis - Get information on encephalitis and meningitis treatment, vaccine, symptoms (nausea, fever), types (bacterial, viral), causes, and learn how this contagious infection is spread.
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