West Nile virus is an illness carried and transmitted by mosquitoes. West Nile virus is known to infect birds, horses, dogs, cats, chipmunks, squirrels, bats, skunks, domestic rabbits, and humans. Birds are most frequently infected with West Nile virus, and in years where the number of infected mosquitoes is high, there are large die-offs of the bird population.
The main route of human infection is through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The severity of the illness ranges from mild to severe. Symptoms that are commonly found in patients suffering from a mild case of West Nile virus are lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, diarrhea, fever, headache, muscle aches, abdominal pain, and back pain. These symptoms typically last for 3-6 days. In patients that are suffering from a more severe case of the disease, the following symptoms are also seen: Stiff neck, muscle weakness,confusion or change in ability to think clearly, loss of consciousness. These more severe symptoms require prompt medical attention.
Because West Nile is a virus and not a bacteria, there are no antibiotics to aid a person in fighting a West Nile infection. Hospitalization can help to avoid secondary complications of the disease, but recovery is really based on a person’s immune system and its ability to fight off the infection.
Fortunately, for minor cases of West Nile virus the prognosis is very good. However, for patients with severe cases of West Nile infection, the outcome is less clear. West Nile meningitis or encephalitis may lead to brain damage and even death. About 10% of the patients with brain inflammation will not survive. Although very rare, complications from West Nile virus infection include permanent muscle weakness (similar to polio), permanent brain damage and lasting damage to the central nervous system, and death.
The best way to be sure to avoid complication from an illness is to avoid the illness. Fortunately, West Nile virus is quite preventable, you just need to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. You should always use mosquito-repellant products that contain DEET. Wearing long sleeves and pants also provides a good barrier between your skin and biting mosquitoes. Lastly, it is important to dump out any standing water as this is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
You should contact your physician if you have symptoms of West Nile virus, especially if you have been recently bitten by mosquitoes. If you are violently ill, you should go to the emergency room. Unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done to prevent you from getting West Nile virus once you have been bitten by an infected mosquito. However, people in good health rarely develop serious illness even when bitten by infected mosquitoes.
