West Nile Virus (WNV)

What it is West Nile Virus?
West Nile virus is a flavivirus commonly found in Africa, West Africa and the Middle East. It is closely related to St. Louis encephalitis which we have found here in the United States since around 1999. The virus can infect humans, birds, mosquitoes, horses and some mammals. Experts believe it is a seasonal epidemic which flares up in the summer and continues into the fall. Most often WNV is spread by the bite of a mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds

What are the symptoms of the West Nile Virus?
Symptoms generally appear between 3 and 14 days after they are bitten. About 80% of people who are infected with WNV will not show any symptoms at all. People over 50 are at a higher risk to get severe illness

Mild Symptoms:

• Fever
• Headaches
• Body aches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• About 20% of the people that have been infected exhibit the above listed symptoms

Serious Symptoms:

• High fever
• Headache
• Neck stiffness
• Tremors
• Muscle weakness
• Paralysis
• Loss of vision
• Coma/Death
• About 1 in 150 people will develop severe symptoms. The symptoms may last several weeks

What can I do to prevent getting infected with the West Nile Virus?

• There is no specific treatment for WNV infection. In more serious cases intravenous fluids need to be administered at a hospital
• Use mosquito repellent such as DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water in such receptacles as flower pots, buckets, barrels or old tires
• Install or repair screens and screen doors
• Support community based mosquito control programs
• Report dead birds to the village health department but do not handle the bird.  This may be a sign that the disease is circulating
• Wear long sleeves to cover exposed skin and avoid mosquito bites, especially during the evening and early morning