West Nile Virus & the Age Factor
Signs & Symptoms of West Nile Virus
Though medical science is working hard to develop a vaccine for this sometimes deadly virus, there is very limited data relating to the West Nile Virus.
Apparently, the virus has a connection with the age factor, with fatalities arresting individuals fifty years of age and older. People with weakened immune systems are also at greater risk.
Therefore, if you are over the age of fifty, you should take optimum precautions whenever you go outdoors. If you live in a warm climate in which mosquitoes thrive, this means year-round precautionary measures.
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About West Nile Virus, Signs & Symptoms & the Precautions You Should Take:
West Nile encephalitis is an infection of the brain that is caused by the West Nile which occurs when someone is bitten by a mosquito infected with the West Nile virus. Although infected ticks can transmit the virus, they are not linked to any outbreaks that have occurred in the United States. Other animals that have been determined to be infected with the West Nile virus include bats, domestic rabbits, skunks, squirrels, cats, horses and chipmunks.
Symptoms can include:
fever
body aches
skin rash
swollen lymph glands
Symptoms in the advanced stages of the virus can include:
headache
high fever
neck stiffness
stupor
disorientation
coma
tremors
convulsions
muscle weakness
paralysis
death
Most infections are mild, however death can occur. The incubation period in humans from infection to onset of the symptoms is usually 3-15 days.
Precautions you can take:
Avoid going outdoors during the hours of sunset and sunrise.
When you are outdoors use repellents containing permethrin or DEET according to directions on container. Use the spray on your clothing as well, because mosquitoes sometimes bite through the fabric.
Cover as much skin as possible with clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants and hats.
Protect your animals as well.
Don't provide mosquitoes with a habitat, such as standing water.
Back to Mummy Dearest - West Nile Central
This article is not meant as a guide for diagnosis or prevention. If you exhibit symptoms of the West Nile virus, seek medical attention immediately.
Source: FDA
