West Nile Virus

Overview
Causes
Symptoms
Treatments

West Nile Virus Overview:

West Nile Virus can potentially lead to a serious infection.  However, many people with the virus do not present with symptoms.  It is believed that West Nile Virus is only a seasonal threat beginning in the summer and ending in the fall.  It is spread through mosquito bites and the virus can last for weeks.  Treatment is often not needed, but in severe cases, hospitalization is a possibility.  You can prevent West Nile Virus by using insect repellant with DEET or Picaridin, wearing long sleeves and long pants, and removing any sites where mosquitoes breed.

West Nile Virus Causes:

Birds are the main carriers of the West Nile Virus and they pass it to mosquitoes.  Humans and animals then contract the virus from mosquitoes.  People cannot spread the disease through casual contact, but they can pass along the virus through blood transfusions and organ transplants.  A very few cases of West Nile Virus lead to a swelling of the brain and tissues around the spinal cord referred to as encephalitis. 

West Nile Virus Symptoms:

Many people who contract West Nile virus do not present with symptoms.  Some present with mild symptoms, and a very few present with severe symptoms and encephalitis.  A person will generally show symptoms three to fourteen days after contraction.  Symptoms include:  fever, headache, body aches, skin rash, lack of hunger, pain in your eyes, fatigue, vomiting, and swollen lymph nodes.  In extreme cases, people develop a swelling of the brain and spinal cord. 

West Nile Virus Treatments

We have compiled a list to help you compare leading West Nile Virus treatments and cures before you buy.