Questions and Answers about West Nile virus

1. What is West Nile virus?

West Nile virus is a virus that mostly spreads to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes. 

Most of the people who are infected will not show any symptoms, while about 20% will develop a fever along with other mild symptoms. 

About 1 in 150 people who are infected will develop a severe illness affecting the central nervous system such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord), which can be life-threatening. 

2. How does West Nile virus spread? 

Mosquitoes get the West Nile virus by feeding on infected birds. Later, they pass the virus on to humans and animals through their bites. People and animals can also become infected by coming into contact with other infected animals, their blood, or other tissues.

West Nile virus can also be transmitted through organ transplant, blood transfusions, during pregnancy delivery, and through breast milk, though this is rare.  To date, no human-to-human transmission of West Nile virus through everyday contact has been documented. 

3. How can I protect myself from West Nile virus?

You can lower your risk of getting West Nile virus by protecting yourself from mosquito bites through the following measures:

• Wear light clothing that covers most of your body, such as light long sleeves and pants.
• Use window and door screens to keep mosquitos out of the house.
• Apply mosquito repellents according to the manufacturer’s  instructions. Insect repellent should be applied on a child by an adult. 
• Sleep in an air-conditioned room or use fans, and use mosquito nets for baby carriers.

4. How can I minimize mosquitoes around me and my family?

You can prevent mosquito breeding by:

• removing stagnant water were mosquitos typically bread, such as in pots, water containers, and trash with accumulated rainwater;
• disposing of waste properly; 
• securely covering, emptying and regularly cleaning and disinfecting water storage containers; and
• applying appropriate insecticides to outdoor water storage containers.

5. What are the most common symptoms of West Nile virus?

Most of the people who are infected will not show any symptoms, while about 20% will develop a fever with other symptoms. 

The most common symptoms of West Nile virus include:

• fever 
• headache 
• tiredness, and body aches 
• nausea, vomiting 
• occasionally a skin rash (on the torso) 
• swollen lymph glands

6. What are the symptoms of severe West Nile disease?

The symptoms of severe disease (also called neuroinvasive disease, such as West Nile encephalitis or meningitis or West Nile poliomyelitis) include: 

• headache
• high fever
• neck stiffness
• stupor
• disorientation
• coma 
• tremors
• convulsions
• muscle weakness
• paralysis

Serious illness can occur in people of any age, but older people and immunocompromised persons are at the highest risk. If you experience any of the severe symptoms, seek medical care immediately.

7. What should I do if I am infected by the West Nile virus?

If you get West Nile virus, it’s important to:

• rest
• drink plenty of liquids
• take medicine for pain relief
• watch for severe symptoms 
• contact your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any

8. What is the treatment for West Nile disease?

There are no vaccines or specific medicines to treat West Nile virus disease or fever. The treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing side effects. If you experience any severe symptoms, seek immediate medical care.