Signs & Symptoms of West Nile Virus

About The West Nile Virus

Outdoor enthusiasts have it rough! Just look at the grim potential for those of us locked into the wild: poison ivy, black widow spiders, Rocky Mountain Fever, Lyme Disease - and now West Nile virus has skimmed its ugly face over the horizon! As an outdoor nature buff, the following information may help you avoid being infected with this fairly new virus.

The West Nile virus is a flavivirus commonly found in Africa, West Asia, and the Middle East and is closely related to St. Louis encephalitis virus which can be found in the United States. Scientists estimate that the West Nile virus has been in the eastern portions of the United States since 1999, and possibly longer. Medical science is working hard to develop a vaccine for this sometimes deadly virus.

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.

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

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