West
Nile Virus Update
According to the Center for Disease Control, the West
Nile virus is not spread from person to person. The
main role that people play in contributing to the continuing
cycle of West Nile virus is by maintaining environments
(especially standing water) in which mosquitoes can lay
eggs.
What
are the symptoms of West Nile Virus infection?
Evidence suggests that a minority of infected persons will
develop a mild illness with fever, headache, body aches,
and sometimes skin rash and swollen glands within 3 to 15
days. There are no known long-term effects due to mild illness.
West Nile virus infection infrequently results in a severe
illness, however, known as West Nile encephalitis. Encephalitis
is an inflammation of the brain that may be marked by headache,
high fever, stiff neck, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors,
convulsions, muscle weakness, and paralysis. A small number
of cases have been fatal.
Who is at risk for West Nile virus infection? For
the severe form of the disease, persons 50 years of age
and older. Even in areas where West Nile virus transmission
is occurring, infection of humans is still relatively rare.
How is West Nile virus infection treated? No specific
therapy is available for infection of West Nile virus. In
the case of West Nile encephalitis, intensive supportive
therapy may be required–such as hospitalization, intravenous
fluids, respiratory support (ventilator), prevention of
secondary infections (such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections,
etc.) and good nursing care.
What is the best way to prevent
contracting the virus? Avoid mosquito bites!
-
Apply
insect repellent to exposed skin when you go outdoors.
The most effective repellents contain DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide).
-
Use
care in applying repellent to children: don't put repellent
on their hands, and avoid their mouths and eyes. Products
containing 10% or less DEET are the most appropriate
for children aged 2 - 12 years.
-
Wear
protective clothing such as long sleeves, long pants,
and socks while outdoors.
-
Spray
clothing with repellents containing permethrin. (Note:
DEET may damage synthetic fabrics.)
-
Consider
staying indoors between dusk and dawn, peak mosquito
biting time.
-
Fix
or install window and door screens to keep mosquitoes
out of buildings.
For
more information about West Nile virus visit the CDC
website
www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm.
back
to top
