Symptoms and Treatment for West Nile Virus
Only 20% of infected people will show any symptoms, which usually appear 3-14 days after an infected mosquito bite.
Most symptoms will be mild, including:
- Fever / headache
- Nausea / vomiting
- Body aches
- Possible skin rash (below neck and above waist)
- Swollen lymph glands
About 1 in 150 infected people will have a severe infection, including:
- Headache / high fever
- Neck stiffness
- Disorientation
- Coma / unconsciousness
- Tremors / convulsions
- Muscle weakness / paralysis
These symptoms may last several weeks. Some effects may be permanent.
Spread of the Virus
The virus is spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. A mosquito can become infected by biting an infected bird.
The virus is not transmitted through casual contact from others. (such as kissing or touching)
A very small number of the cases have been infected by: blood transfusion, breast milk, organ transplant from an infected donor and during pregnancy from mother to baby.
Detection and Treatment of the Virus
The virus can be confirmed in Humans by testing the blood or fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
There is no specific treatment, medication or vaccine for West Nile Virus. In the most severe cases, hospitalization is required for management of symptoms and intensive, supportive care.