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West Nile Virus

 

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Catchy West Nile Video (click)

 

What is West Nile Virus?

West Nile Virus is a virus carried by mosquitoes. It spreads to people through a mosquito bite. The virus started in Africa, moved to Asia and the Middle East and reached North America in 1999. It rapidly spread across the United States from east to west.

 

Will it make me sick?

It may not make you sick at all. Most people bitten by an infected mosquito have no symptoms. But it can develop into a serious illness in others. About one of every five people infected develop these symptoms:

  • fever
  • headache
  • body aches
  • skin rash on the chest, stomach and back
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
  • nausea
  • vomiting

These symptoms may last for a few days in some people or a few weeks in others.

About one in every 150 people infected with West Nile Virus develop a severe illness. Their symptoms worsen to include:

  • neck stiffness
  • stupor
  • disorientation (confusion)
  • coma
  • tremors
  • convulsions
  • muscle weakness
  • vision loss
  •  numbness
  • paralysis

These symptoms may last several weeks and neurological damage may be permanent.

 

How does West Nile Virus spread?

Infected mosquitoes spread West Nile Virus through their bites. Mosquitoes get infected from feeding on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can spread the virus to people, horses and many other animals.

In a few cases, West Nile Virus has spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, breastfeeding and from mother to baby during pregnancy.

The virus doesn't spread from person to person through casual contact or touching or kissing.

 

How long does it take to get sick?

Symptoms usually develop three to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

 

Can I prevent West Nile Virus?

Preventing mosquito bites is the best way to prevent West Nile Virus.

  • Use mosquito repellent when you're outdoors that contains an EPA-registered active ingredient.
  • Dawn and dusk are when mosquitoes are most active. Cover exposed skin, stay indoors or wear repellent if you're outdoors.
  • Check your window and door screens for holes that allow mosquitoes indoors.
  • Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Dump water from flower pots, buckets, etc. Change water in pet dishes and bird baths a few times each week. Empty wading pools between uses.

 

Is there a treatment for West Nile Virus?

There is no specific treatment. In severe cases, people often go to the hospital for supportive treatments such as intravenous fluids, help with breathing and nursing care.

 

Who's at the greatest risk of getting sick with West Nile Virus?

People over the age of 50 are more likely to develop serious symptoms if they get sick. Anyone outdoors is at risk if they're not protected.

 

What is Panhandle Health District doing about West Nile Virus?

PHD is trapping mosquitoes in Kootenai and Boundary counties to keep track of infected mosquitoes in the area. PHD also accepts at its Hayden office, 8500 N. Atlas Rd., corvid birds--magpies, ravens, crows and jays--that die suspiciously for bird swab testing.

PHD investigates suspicious illnesses in the five northern counties and investigates complaints about standing water. PHD also is happy to answer the public's question's regarding West Nile Virus.

 

Has West Nile Virus even reached northern Idaho?

No mosquitoes tested in the five northern counties have carried the virus. However, a red-tailed hawk in Benewah County tested positive for the virus in September 2007. There were 40 confirmed cases of West Nile Virus in Idaho in 2008. None of those cases were in people or animals in the five northern counties.

In 2006, Idaho had 1,016 cases of West Nile Virus. One of those cases was in Kootenai County, but it was believed the patient had picked up the virus while traveling out of state.

Here are links to more information on West Nile Virus:



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