What is unique about West Nile virus?
Key facts. West Nile virus can cause a fatal neurological disease in humans. However, approximately 80% of people who are infected will not show any symptoms. West Nile virus is mainly transmitted to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes. The virus can cause severe disease and death in horses.
How is WNV transmitted to humans?
West Nile virus is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes then spread West Nile virus to people and other animals by biting them.
Where is WNV commonly found?
It is transmitted by infected mosquitoes between and among humans and animals, including birds, which are the virus’s reservoir host. First isolated in the West Nile district of Uganda in 1937, WNV is today found commonly in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and West Asia.
How often is West Nile fatal?
About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About 1 out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness. You can reduce your risk of WNV by using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent mosquito bites.
Is West Nile curable?
Because it’s a viral condition, West Nile virus doesn’t have a cure. But you can take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, to relieve symptoms of West Nile virus such as muscle aches and headaches.
Is West Nile contagious?
West Nile virus isn’t spread between humans. However, in a few cases it has spread through organ transplant. Health officials think the organ donor acquired the virus through a blood transfusion. All blood is screened for the virus.
Where did West Nile virus start?
WNV was first isolated in 1937 from a woman in the West Nile district in Uganda. It is currently the arbovirus with the widest geographic distribution and can be found in parts of North and South America, Africa, Europe, Asia and Oceania.
What are 3 signs 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.
How long does West Nile virus last?
In mild cases of West Nile, symptoms usually last for 3 to 6 days, and you can recover at home. If you get a more severe case of West Nile, symptoms can last for weeks or months, and you may need to stay in the hospital so you can get medicine to help you recover.
How many people has West Nile virus killed?
West Nile virus is the most common and serious vector-borne disease in California. There have been more than 7,000 human cases and over 300 deaths reported in California since 2003.
Does West Nile go away?
Mild signs and symptoms of a West Nile virus infection generally go away on their own. But severe signs and symptoms — such as a severe headache, fever, disorientation or sudden weakness — need immediate attention. Exposure to mosquitoes where West Nile virus exists increases your risk of getting infected.
How long can West Nile last?