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. The risk for getting West Nile virus from blood is much lower than the risk of not having any procedure that would call for a blood transfusion. Most people infected with West Nile virus have only mild, flu-like symptoms that last a few days. Symptoms usually appear within 3 to 14 days of infection. These are the most common symptoms of West Nile fever:. The more severe form of the West Nile virus affects mostly older adults.
It occurs when the virus crosses the blood-brain barrier and can cause:. The symptoms of West Nile virus may look like other conditions or health problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. Certain things can increase the risk for getting West Nile virus. You are more likely to get the virus if you are exposed to mosquito bites during the summer months. Most people who are infected have a minor illness and recover fully.
But, older people and those with weak immune systems are more likely to get a serious illness from the infection. There's no specific treatment for West Nile virus-related diseases. If a person gets the more severe form of the disease, West Nile encephalitis or meningitis, treatment may include intensive supportive therapy, such as:. Usually, the West Nile virus causes mild, flu-like symptoms. However, the virus can cause life-threatening illnesses, such as.
At this time, there's no vaccine available to prevent West Nile virus. Repellents are effective only at short distances from the treated surface, so mosquitoes may still be flying nearby. Always follow the directions on the insect repellent to determine how often you need to reapply repellent. To boost your protection from insect repellent, remember:. Repellents containing a higher concentration of active ingredient such as DEET provide longer-lasting protection.
Read the directions to find out how long your product will last. Most people infected with the West Nile virus will have only mild symptoms. However, if any of the following serious symptoms develop, seek medical attention right away:. Health Home Conditions and Diseases. But, the virus can cause life-threatening illnesses, such as: Encephalitis inflammation of the brain Meningitis inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord Meningoencephalitis inflammation of the brain and its surrounding membrane What causes West Nile virus?
What are the symptoms 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 The more severe form of the West Nile virus affects mostly older adults.
Use caution when giving aspirin to children or teenagers. Children and teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should never take aspirin. This is because aspirin has been linked to Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition, in such children. Scientists are investigating interferon therapy — a type of immune cell therapy — as a treatment for encephalitis caused by West Nile virus.
Some research shows that people who receive interferon recover better than those who don't receive the drug, but further study is needed. If you have signs and symptoms of infection of the brain or spinal cord — high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion or sudden muscle weakness — see your doctor right away or go to an urgent care center. Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you remember the information you're given.
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No WNV vaccines are licensed for use in humans. In the absence of a vaccine, prevention of WNV disease depends on community-level mosquito control programs to reduce vector densities, personal protective measures to decrease exposure to infected mosquitoes, and screening of blood and organ donors.
Personal protective measures include use of mosquito repellents, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and limiting outdoor exposure from dusk to dawn.
Using air conditioning, installing window and door screens, and reducing mosquito breeding sites around the home, can further decrease the risk for WNV exposure. More information on personal protective measures can be found here. Blood and some organ donations in the United States are screened for WNV infection; healthcare professionals should remain vigilant for the possible transmission of WNV through blood transfusion or organ transplantation.
Any suspected WNV infections temporally associated with blood transfusion or organ transplantation should be reported promptly to the appropriate state or local health department.
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