West Nile virus (WNV) is a disease that spreads through mosquito bites. It can cause a neurological disorder and even death in people. This disease is common in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, West Asia, and North America.
WNV does not cause any symptoms in most people and is transmitted to people through bites of infected mosquitoes. Its symptoms include headaches, muscle weakness, high fever, neck stiffness, and seizures. There is no specific treatment for this illness but its symptoms can be relieved. The doctor recommends taking plenty of rest and drinking more fluids to ease its symptoms.
What Is West Nile Virus?
The West Nile virus (WNV) is mainly transmitted by mosquitoes that are infected. Its symptoms can range from mild to severe and most people infected with WNV do not experience any symptoms. It is a viral disease that can weaken the immune system and cause serious health complications. This condition cannot be treated with antibiotics because it is not caused by bacteria. However, there are medications to ease its symptoms.
Anyone is at risk of getting WNV but protecting yourself from mosquito bites can help prevent getting infected. In most cases, WNV is not severe and people do well after treatment but those with severe infection are at the risk of brain damage and death.
West Nile Virus Causes
West Nile virus is an arbovirus caused by arthropods, a large group of insects. It is an RNA virus in the genus Flavivirus, which is similar to the viruses that cause dengue and yellow fever. WNV is transmitted by infected mosquitoes and they usually get the virus from biting an infected bird. However, there is no evidence of humans being infected directly by birds.
The virus multiplies inside the mosquito and is transmitted to humans. The incubation period is usually between two to six days after getting bitten. WNV is not contagious and it cannot spread from one person to another.
West Nile Virus Symptoms
The mild symptoms of West Nile virus include;
- Fever
- Headaches
- Sore throat
- Abdominal pain
- Rash
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Muscle aches
- Lack of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Swollen lymph nodes
These mild symptoms are generally called West Nile fever. Its symptoms may occur from 1 to 14 days after being infected and usually lasts for 3 to 6 days and in rare cases, a month.
The severe symptoms of West Nile virus include;
- Muscle weakness
- Confusion or inability to think clearly
- Stiff neck
- Weakness if one arm or leg
- Loss of consciousness or coma
These severe symptoms are called West Nile encephalitis or West Nile meningitis, depending on the affected body part. If you notice any of these severe symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
What Are The Complications Of West Nile Virus?
There is no vaccine or medicine to treat West Nile virus, which increases its complications. Some of its complications include;
- Ocular manifestations- retinal hemorrhages, chorioretinitis, and vitreitis.
- Neurological symptoms- weakness, acute flaccid paralysis, meningitis, neuropathy, encephalitis, seizures, and coma.
- Other complications- central diabetes insipidus, pancreatitis, myocarditis, rhabdomyolysis, abnormal reflexes, hearing loss, memory loss, difficulty walking, depression, and death.
Managing And Treating West Nile Virus
There are no treatments for West Nile virus but its mild symptoms can be treated. It can be treated with over-the-counter pain and flu medications. It can take several weeks or months to ease its symptoms. Intensive care is required for those with severe symptoms. They need to be hospitalized and they might treatments like pain medication, nursing care, ventilators, and intravenous fluids.
You can manage and prevent WNV through the following strategies;
- Cover your body.
- Avoid going out at high-risk times and stay inside when mosquitoes are most active.
- Use mosquito repellent.
- Drain out any standing water to prevent mosquito growth.
- Sleep in a screened or closed room to prevent mosquitoes from entering the room.
- Take precautions while traveling or sleeping outdoors.
Conclusion
West Nile virus (WNV) is a disease that spreads through mosquito bites. WNV does not often cause any symptoms in most people and is transmitted to people through bites of infected mosquitoes. However, it can cause a neurological disorder and even death in people. It is a viral disease that can weaken the immune system and cause serious health complications. Its other symptoms include headaches, muscle weakness, high fever, neck stiffness, and seizures.
WNV is not contagious and it cannot spread from one person to another. There is no specific treatment for this illness but there are medications to ease its symptoms. The doctor recommends taking plenty of rest and drinking more fluids to ease its symptoms. The mild symptoms of WNV usually last 3 to 6 days and in rare cases, a month.
If you develop a mild infection, seek medical help immediately. You can prevent getting WNV by covering your body properly, using mosquito repellent, avoiding going out at the time the mosquitoes are the most active, draining out any standing water, and sleeping in a screened and closed room. Also, take precautions while traveling or sleeping outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can prevent West Nile virus by avoiding mosquito bites but there are no vaccines or medications to prevent it.
If humans get infected with West Nile virus, it causes symptoms like headaches, nausea, high fever, neck stiffness, rashes, muscle aches, impaired consciousness, and weakness.
The symptoms of West Nile virus usually start between 1 to 14 days after getting infected.
West Nile virus cannot be easily treated as there are no specific medications or vaccinations. However, its symptoms can be relieved with medications.
The rash commonly affects the neck, head, upper or lower extremities. It can look like a maculopapular rash that appears both discolored spots or raised bumps.
