What is west nile virus

Research Statistics and Research Journal Articles. Resources Find an Expert. For You Patient Handouts. The best way to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites : Use insect repellent Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets or barrels Stay indoors between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active Use screens on windows to keep mosquitoes out.

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Cancel Continue. But, older people and those with weak immune systems are more likely to get a serious illness from the infection. There's no specific treatment for West Nile virus-related diseases. If a person gets the more severe form of the disease, West Nile encephalitis or meningitis, treatment may include intensive supportive therapy, such as:.

Usually, the West Nile virus causes mild, flu-like symptoms. However, the virus can cause life-threatening illnesses, such as. At this time, there's no vaccine available to prevent West Nile virus. Repellents are effective only at short distances from the treated surface, so mosquitoes may still be flying nearby.

Always follow the directions on the insect repellent to determine how often you need to reapply repellent. To boost your protection from insect repellent, remember:. Repellents containing a higher concentration of active ingredient such as DEET provide longer-lasting protection. Read the directions to find out how long your product will last. Most people infected with the West Nile virus will have only mild symptoms. However, if any of the following serious symptoms develop, seek medical attention right away:.

Health Home Conditions and Diseases. But, the virus can cause life-threatening illnesses, such as: Encephalitis inflammation of the brain Meningitis inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord Meningoencephalitis inflammation of the brain and its surrounding membrane What causes West Nile virus?

What are the symptoms of West Nile virus? These are the most common symptoms of West Nile fever: Fever Headache Body aches Skin rash on trunk of body Swollen lymph glands The more severe form of the West Nile virus affects mostly older adults. It occurs when the virus crosses the blood-brain barrier and can cause: Headache High fever Neck stiffness Stupor a state of impaired consciousness, extreme lethargy, and reduced reactivity to outside stimuli Disorientation Coma Tremors Convulsions Muscle weakness Paralysis The symptoms of West Nile virus may look like other conditions or health problems.

What are the risk factors for West Nile virus? How is West Nile virus diagnosed? Your doctor will order a blood test to check for antibodies to the West Nile virus. He or she may also do a lumbar puncture to test cerebrospinal fluid for signs of infection. How is West Nile virus treated? Your healthcare provider will figure out the best treatment based on: How old you are Your overall health and medical history How sick you are How well you can handle specific medications, procedures, or therapies How long the condition is expected to last Your opinion or preference There's no specific treatment for West Nile virus-related diseases.

If a person gets the more severe form of the disease, West Nile encephalitis or meningitis, treatment may include intensive supportive therapy, such as: Hospitalization Intravenous IV fluids Breathing support ventilator Prevention of other infections such as pneumonia or urinary tract infections Nursing care What are the complications of West Nile virus?

However, the virus can cause life-threatening illnesses, such as Encephalitis inflammation of the brain Meningitis inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord Meningoencephalitis inflammation of the brain and its surrounding membrane Can West Nile virus be prevented? If you spray your clothing, there's no need to spray repellent containing DEET on the skin under your clothing.

When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants treated with repellents containing permethrin or DEET since mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing.

Don't directly apply repellents containing permethrin to exposed skin. Consider staying indoors at dawn, dusk, and in the early evening. These are peak hours for mosquito bites, especially those mosquitoes that carry the West Nile virus. Limit the number of places for mosquitoes to lay their eggs by getting rid of standing water sources from around your home.