West Nile Facts

What is West Nile virus?

The West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes to birds, various animals, and humans. Most persons infected with this virus show no symptoms, although occasional infections can result in serious illness and even death.

Where did West Nile virus come from?

West Nile virus has been commonly found in humans, birds, and other animals in Africa, Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and the Middle East, but until 1999 had not previously been documented in the Western Hemisphere. The U.S. viral strain is most closely related genetically to strains found in the Middle East.

What are the symptoms of West Nile virus infection?

Most people infected with this virus do not have any symptoms. Some people experience a mild illness characterized by slight fever, headache, body aches, skin rash, and swollen lymph nodes. More severe illness can include encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and is marked by a rapid onset of a high fever, head and body aches, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, and in the most severe cases, death.

How soon after exposure do symptoms appear?

Symptoms usually appear 3 to 15 days after exposure.

What if I am pregnant?

There is no evidence that pregnant women are at increased risk due to West Nile virus infection.

How do people get West Nile virus?

The West Nile virus, like most mosquito borne viruses, is found in wild and domestic birds. When a mosquito feeds on an infected bird, it can pick up the virus and transmit it to other, non infected birds. Occasionally, infective mosquitoes will feed on mammals such as horses, dogs, cats, and humans, and transmit the virus to them.

If I live in an area where birds or mosquitoes with West Nile virus have been reported and a mosquito bites me, am I likely to get sick?

No, even in areas where mosquitoes do carry the virus, less than 1% are infected. If the mosquito is infected, less than 1% of people who get bitten and become infected will get severely ill. The chances you will become severely ill from any one mosquito bite are extremely small.

Can I get West Nile virus directly from birds?

There is no evidence that a person can get the virus from handling live or dead infected birds. However, persons should avoid barehanded contact with any dead animals and use gloves or double plastic bags to place the carcass in a garbage can.

Can West Nile virus be spread from person-to-person?

West Nile virus infection is not transmitted from person to person. For example, you cannot get the virus from touching or kissing a person who has the disease, or from a health care worker who has treated someone with the disease.

How can I protect myself from West Nile virus?

It is not necessary to limit any outdoor activities. However, you can and should try to reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. Reducing the mosquito population around your home and property can be accomplished by eliminating standing water:

• Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers.
• Remove all discarded tires on your property. Used tires are very significant mosquito breeding sites.
• Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors.
• Make sure roof gutters drain properly, and clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall.
• Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
• Change the water in birdbaths at least weekly.
• Clean vegetation and debris from edges of ponds.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs.
• Drain water from pool covers.
• Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property. Learn more on eliminating breeding areas
• Make sure all windows and doors have screens, and that all screens are in good repair.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are outdoors.
• Spray clothing with repellents containing permethrin or DEET since mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing. Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin. An effective repellent will contain 35% DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide). DEET in high concentrations (greater than 35%) provides no additional protection. Repellents may irritate the eyes and mouth, so avoid applying repellent to the hands of children. 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.

What should hunters do to protect themselves against West Nile virus?

Hunters should follow the usual precautions when handling wild animals. They should wear gloves when handling and cleaning animals to prevent blood exposure to bare hands and meat should be cooked thoroughly. If hunters anticipate being exposed to mosquitoes, they should apply insect repellents to clothing and skin according to label instructions.

How is West Nile virus diagnosed?

If you or your family members develop symptoms such as high fever, confusion, muscle weakness, and severe headache, you should see your health care provider immediately. Your health care provider will assess your risk for West Nile virus infection. If you are determined to be at high risk, your provider will draw a blood sample and send it to a laboratory for confirmation.

Is there a vaccine or what is the treatment of West Nile?

There currently is not a vaccine for West Nile , but several companies are working towards developing a vaccine. While there is no current treatment for the virus, patients are treated in a supportive care role. For example, if the patient has a high fever, then they would receive antibiotics based on their physician's recommendations.

There is no specific treatment for viral infections, other than to treat the symptoms and provide supportive care. In more severe cases, intensive supportive therapy is indicated, often involving hospitalization, intravenous fluids and nutrition, respiratory support, prevention of secondary infections, and good nursing care. Elderly persons are at highest risk for developing severe illness due to West Nile viral infection, so these individuals should promptly seek medical care if infection is suspected.

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