West Nile Virus: Frequently Asked Questions
What is West Nile virus?
West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
Source: www.cortland-co.org
West Nile Virus is a flavivirus commonly found in Africa, West Asia, and the Middle East. It is closely related to St. Louis encephalitis virus which is also found in the United States. The virus can infect humans, birds, mosquitoes, horses and some other mammals
Source: www.cattlenetwork.com
Is West Nile Virus a problem at Caz?
All of the advice we have received to date has been that the chance of contracting West Nile Virus in our camp environment this summer is extremely low for campers. As this is a relatively new disease and information is changing, our healthcare and camp staff are working closely with the Sonoma County Department of Health and medical professionals to devise and implement appropriate practices at camp to limit campers' exposure to West Nile Virus at camp this summer.
Source: www.cazadero.org
What is West Nile virus (WNV)?
West Nile virus is a micro-organism that causes flu-like symptoms. It is transmitted from the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus affects humans; common birds, such as blue-jays and crows; and more than 200 animal species, including horses. The disease was first noted in horses in Egypt and France in the early 1960’s. West Nile virus was first reported in the US in 1999. ...
Source: willowcreekvet.com
WNV is a mosquito-borne virus that can potentially cause a serious illness. It has been common in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East for decades, but has only been in the United States since 1999. In 2003, Colorado had more than 2,900 cases; 62 people died.
Source: www.co.boulder.co.us
Is there West Nile virus in the park?
West Nile was recently confirmed in a raven in the county. See the press release from the Humboldt County Environmental Health Division web site.
Source: www.humboldtredwoods.org
Who is at risk of getting West Nile Virus?
Everyone is at risk of getting WNV, particularly: Persons who are outdoors between dark and dusk
People who spend time in heavily wooded areas during the day
People over age 50 have the highest risk of getting severely ill
Infants might also be at increased risk
Source: www.cchealth.org
All residents of areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk of getting West Nile virus; persons over 50 years of age are at the highest risk for severe disease.
Source: www.health.state.ny.us
How is West Nile Virus treated?
There is no specific treatment for West Nile Virus, but the symptoms can be treated. In severe cases, hospitalization might be required. There is no vaccine for humans against West Nile Virus.
Source: www.cchealth.org
There is no specific treatment or vaccine against West Nile virus. Only the symptoms and complications can be treated. Most people recover from an infection.
Source: www.halton.ca
There is no specific treatment for West Nile Virus infection. In severe cases, intensive supportive therapies are used, such as intravenous fluids and medicine to control fever or pain. Antibiotics may be given for any secondary bacterial infection.
Source: www.ruston.org
Is there a vaccine for West Nile virus?
There is currently no human vaccine for West Nile virus, but several companies are working towards developing one. There is a West Nile virus vaccine that has been approved for use in horses.
Source: www.nyc.gov
There is no licensed vaccine available for humans. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease in the United States is using a private company to test a prototype vaccine. The vaccine has shown promise in animal tests. Human tests are anticipated some time this year. Health Canada is monitoring the situation carefully. Keep in mind that a vaccine licensed in the United States is not automatically licensed in Canada. There are two West Nile virus vaccines in Canada registered for use in horses only.
Source: www.wechealthunit.org
How is West Nile virus spread?
West Nile virus is predominantly spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. In 2002 other methods of human transmission were discovered but appear to be rare. It has now been shown that West Nile virus can be transmitted to humans who receive transfusions of infected blood or blood products, or who receive infected organs through transplantation. Also, in 2002 there was one case of transmission from a pregnant woman to her fetus, and one probable case of mother-to-baby transmission through breast milk. ...
Source: www.nyc.gov
Mosquitoes become infected with West Nile virus when they feed on the blood of infected birds. The virus is carried in the mosquito’s salivary glands. An infected mosquito can then transmit WNV to humans and animals through its bite. The virus is not known to spread from person-to–person contact such as touching, kissing, or caring for someone who is infected. Other modes of transmission are being investigated.
Source: www.halton.ca
Is West Nile virus in Utah?
Yes, West Nile virus has been found in several Utah counties. 2007 map of WNV activity in Utah
Source: www.wildlife.utah.gov
Who can get West Nile Virus?
Anyone can get West Nile Virus but most people will have little or no symptoms. People with weak immune systems or chronic diseases are at greater risk of complications from West Nile Virus. The risk of complications also increases with age, as anyone over the age of 50 has a naturally weaker immune system. Newborns are also at risk because of an immature immune system. Although cases of West Nile Virus in young children is rare, it is important for childcare providers to protect them from mosquito bites. ...
Source: www.wechealthunit.org
How is West Nile Virus spread to humans?
Humans get West Nile Virus when a mosquito infected with the virus bites them. The mosquito gets West Nile Virus by feeding on the blood of an infected bird. Two weeks must pass before the mosquito is able to transfer the virus. There is some evidence that mosquitoes can pass the virus to their offspring but that research is incomplete. People can also get West Nile Virus through blood transfusion and organ donation but that risk is very low. ...
Source: www.wechealthunit.org
What treatments are available for West Nile Virus?
Currently only the symptoms of the disease are treated. Good nursing care to prevent secondary infections is important.
Source: www.wechealthunit.org
What is West Nile virus disease?
West Nile virus disease is a mosquito-borne infection that can cause mild flu-like illness or severe encephalitis. Although chances of a person getting encephalitis are small, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes.
Source: www.co.pennington.sd.us
Who is at risk for West Nile Virus?
People over 50 years of age have the highest risk of severe disease. It is not known if people with weakened immune systems are at an increase risk for West Nile Virus.
Source: www.ruston.org
How is West Nile virus diagnosed?
If you or your family members develop symptoms such as high fever, confusion, neck stiffness, disorientation, 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 verification.
Source: www.dhss.mo.gov
If you or your family members develop symptoms such as high fever, confusion, muscle weakness, and severe headache, you should see your health care provider immediately. If you are determined to be at high risk for West Nile virus infection, your provider may collect a blood sample and send it to a laboratory for confirmation.
Source: www.phelpscountyhealth.com
Is there a vaccine for West Nile virus infection?
No vaccine for West Nile virus infection is currently available for use in people. A vaccine is available for horses.
Source: www.ct.gov
What is West Nile virus illness?
Most people who are infected with WNV have no symptoms or may experience mild illness such as a fever and headache before fully recovering. In some individuals, particularly persons over 50 years of age, West Nile virus can cause serious illness, including encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord). ...
Source: www.ct.gov
Is there a treatment for West Nile virus illness?
Although there is no specific treatment, the symptoms and complications of the illness can be treated. Most people who get this illness recover from it, although symptoms may last for months, especially in persons who have had encephalitis.
Source: www.ct.gov
What is West Nile virus infection?
West Nile virus infection occurs when a person is bitten by an infected mosquito and the virus enters the person’s blood, multiplies, and spreads to other parts of the body. Usually, the body’s immune system can fight off the virus and stop it from causing illness.
Source: www.ct.gov
How is West Nile Virus transmitted?
West Nile virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Over 30 species of mosquitoes have been infected nationwide. WNV has been transmitted by blood transfusion or organ transplantation in a small number of cases. As a result, U. S. blood collection agencies are screening blood donations for the presence of the virus. These transfusion and transplant related cases make up a small percentage of those infected with WNV. ...
Source: www.health.state.ny.us
What are the symptoms of West Nile virus infection?
Most people infected with the virus exhibit no symptoms. Some people develop a mild flu-like illness characterized by slight fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph nodes. In severe cases, illness can include encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) marked by rapid onset of a high fever, head and body aches, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, and in the most severe cases, death. [ top of page ]
Source: www.phelpscountyhealth.com
How serious is West Nile Virus in humans?
Most people infected with WNV will have either no symptoms or a very mild illness. A small percentage of people, especially the elderly, may develop encephalitis. Approximately 13 percent of these encephalitis cases are fatal. Most of the severe human cases of WNV begin with sudden onset of fever, headache, stiff neck, and vomiting. The illness progresses quickly to include confusion and other mental status changes, altered reflexes, convulsions, and coma. ...
Source: www.bah.state.mn.us
