What is West Nile
Virus?West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne virus
that causes encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and meningitis
(inflammation of the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord). The
reservoir (where the virus normally lives and multiples) is wild birds.
This virus was known to be present in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East,
but had not been found in the Americas prior to 1999. Since then, the
virus has been found in most states along the eastern coast and east of the
Mississippi River. West Nile virus was first identified in birds in Indiana in
the summer of 2001.
How can humans get West
Nile Virus?
Mosquitoes transmit the disease to humans
by biting an infected bird, and then biting a human. Humans that are bitten by
an infected mosquito may show symptoms 3 to 15 days after being bitten.
Most people who get infected with West
Nile virus will have no symptoms or mild symptoms. A few individuals will have a
more severe form of the disease, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or
meningitis (inflammation of the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord).
Symptoms that may be present are: high
fever, headache, neck stiffness, muscle weakness or paralysis, and confusion.
Most people have very mild disease. Individuals from age 4 to 90 have
contracted West Nile virus, but more severe disease is likely in individuals
over 50 years of age, or those with weak immune systems.
Can West Nile disease
be treated? Is there a vaccine available to prevent the infection?
There is no specific treatment, but
supportive treatment is provided as with other severe viral illnesses.
There is not a vaccine available for humans.
How
can transmission be prevented?
Transmission of West Nile virus can be
avoided by preventing mosquito bites, the only know route of transmission.
To prevent mosquito bites, wear long sleeves and long pants when out from dusk
until dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. Apply insect repellent
containing DEET to exposed skin and clothing. Protect your family and your
community by reducing the amount of standing water available for mosquito
breeding in or near your property.
