West Nile Virus: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Juhi Modi
Medically reviewed by Andres Maldonado, M.D.
West Nile virus was largely unheard of in the United States before 1999, when an epidemic broke out in New York City. This virus typically causes a mild flu-like illness meningoencephalitis
How does West Nile fever spread?
West Nile fever is a viral infection
Rarely, West Nile virus can also spread through blood transfusions organs breastfeeding
More than half of all West Nile infections occur during epidemics in Africa. However, outbreaks have been reported in other parts of the world, including North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. In southern regions, West Nile fever is a year-round risk, while in more northern climates, it tends to occur in the late summer or early fall.
Is West Nile virus contagious?
West Nile virus is not contagious, meaning it does not spread from person to person. You get WNV from mosquito bites. For example, when a mosquito bites an infected bird and then bites you. Crows, jays, magpies, and ravens are commonly linked to this virus, but it has been found in more than 100 species of birds.
What are the signs and symptoms of West Nile virus?
Most people infected with West Nile virus develop a mild, flu-like illness
Approximately 1 in 5 people infected with WNV develop a febrile illness called West Nile fever. Signs and symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, skin rash, diarrhea, vomiting, and enlarged lymph
In around 1 in 150 people, the virus causes a severe illness by crossing into brain tissue and causing inflammation (this is called West Nile encephalitis or meningitis). Signs and symptoms include high fever, headache, neck stiffness seizures diabetes
How long does the West Nile virus last?
Symptoms usually appear 3-14 days after exposure to the virus. In mild cases, the illness lasts 3-6 days. However, full treatment for the more severe form can take weeks or even months, requiring medical and nursing care in the hospital.
How do doctors diagnose West Nile virus?
Doctors can confirm a diagnosis of West Nile by performing a blood test to check for antibodies to the virus. In suspected cases of West Nile encephalitis or meningitis, a lumbar puncture can be done to check the cerebrospinal fluid for WNV antibodies.
What is the medical treatment for West Nile virus?
There are no specific medications or treatments for the West Nile virus. Antibiotics
The mild form of West Nile virus may not require any special treatment. You can usually recover at home with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications to manage your symptoms.
If you develop symptoms such as high fever, neck stiffness, severe headache, muscle weakness, tremors, confusion, vision loss, numbness, or seizures, you should seek immediate medical attention. Again, there are no specific treatments. Management of West Nile in the hospital
Is there a vaccine for West Nile virus?
There is no vaccine to prevent West Nile virus in humans.
How to prevent West Nile virus?
The CDC recommends the following steps to prevent bites from an infected mosquito and lower your risk of getting West Nile virus:
Use insect repellent containing DEET when outdoors. You can also spray your clothing with DEET or permethrin products.
Wear thick, long-sleeved shirts and pants treated with insect repellents (mosquitoes can bite through thinner materials).
Stay indoors at dawn and dusk when mosquito activity is at its peak.
Get rid of stagnant water around your home, as this can serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
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