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: FAQ's
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 results 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 case,
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 increases 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, very few mosquitoes
- much 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
when handling any dead animals and use gloves or double plastic bags to
place the carcass in a garbage bag.
How can I report a sighting of
dead birds(s) in my area?
Contact your local or state health department if you observe dead birds,
particularly crows and blue jays. Health officials will determine whether
the event should be investigated and whether bird specimens should be
submitted to a laboratory for testing.
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 West Nile 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.
- 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.
In addition to reducing standing water in your yard, make sure all windows and doors have screens, and that all screens are in good repair. If West Nile virus is found in your area:
- 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-diethly-metatoluamide). 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 you 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.
What is the treatment?
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 person 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.
Is there a West Nile virus vaccine
for humans?
No, but several companies are working towards developing a vaccine.
National
Biological Information Infrastructure
Track the progress of the West Nile Virus for 2002, and learn what researchers
are doing to combat it.
If you have any questions or need additional information please contact us. We'll be glad to help.