In this Article

• What is West Nile virus?
• Where did the West Nile virus come from?
• How do people get West Nile virus?
• How do mosquitoes get infected with the West Nile virus?
• Can one person contract the virus from another?
• Besides mosquitoes, can other insects transmit the West Nile virus?
• Are there any other viruses around like the West Nile virus?
• What are the symptoms of West Nile virus?
• When is there an increased risk for infection?
• Who is at risk for getting West Nile virus?
• How is West Nile virus treated?
• Is a woman's pregnancy at risk if she gets West Nile virus?
• What can a community do to reduce the risk of an outbreak of the West Nile virus?
• What can a person do to reduce the risk of becoming infected with the West Nile virus?
• West Nile Virus At A Glance
• West Nile Encephalitis Glossary
• West Nile Encephalitis Index

What can a person do to reduce the risk of becoming infected with the West Nile virus?

The following recommendations can help reduce the risk of becoming infected with the virus:

• Stay indoors at dawn, dusk, and in the early evening.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are outdoors.
• Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin. An effective repellent contains 20%-30% DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide). DEET in high concentrations (greater than 30%) may cause side effects, particularly in children. Avoid products containing more than 30% DEET.
• Repellents may irritate the eyes and mouth, so avoid applying repellent to the hands of children. Insect repellents should not be applied to very young children (under 3 years of age).
• Spray clothing with repellents containing permethrin or DEET since mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing.
• Whenever you use an insecticide or insect repellent, be sure to read and follow the manufacturer's directions for use, as printed on the product.
• Note: Vitamin B and "ultrasonic" devices are not effective in preventing mosquito bites.

West Nile Virus At A Glance

• West Nile is a virus capable of causing disease in humans.
• A key feature of West Nile virus disease is encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain.
• The virus is carried from infected birds to people by mosquitoes.
• There is no evidence for transmission from person to person.
• Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, skin rash, and swollen lymph glands.
• Severe symptoms may include stiff neck, sleepiness, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, and paralysis.
• West Nile virus first gained attention in the U.S. in 1999 after an outbreak in New York City.
• The West Nile virus returned to New York City in 2000 and was found in birds in upstate New York near the Canadian border.
• Use of insect repellants may help reduce the risk of becoming infected with the West Nile virus.

REFERENCE: http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSN0718979120070607

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