What happens if you get West Nile disease?
Symptoms of severe illness include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis.
Who is most at risk for West Nile virus?
Severe illness can occur in people of any age; however, people over 60 years of age are at greater risk. People with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and people who have received organ transplants, are also at greater risk.
Is West Nile virus life threatening?
Humans get West Nile from the bite of an infected mosquito. Usually, the West Nile virus causes mild, flu-like symptoms. The virus can cause life-threatening illnesses, such as encephalitis, meningitis, or meningoencephalitis.
Is West Nile disease curable?
Because it’s a viral condition, West Nile virus doesn’t have a cure. But you can take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, to relieve symptoms of West Nile virus such as muscle aches and headaches.
How did the West Nile disease reach the US?
The West Nile virus quickly spread across the United States after the first reported cases in Queens, New York in 1999. The virus is believed to have entered in an infected bird or mosquito, although there is no clear evidence. The disease spread quickly through infected birds. Mosquitoes spread the disease to mammals. It was mainly noted in horses but also appeared in a number of other species.
How do you cure West Nile virus?
Treatment. There is no specific cure for West Nile virus. In mild cases, you should use the same remedies you would for other viruses, such as the flu: drinking plenty of water and fluids, resting in bed, and taking medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve fever and discomfort.
What are the symptoms of West Nile disease?
Early symptoms of West Nile virus infection include an abrupt onset of fever, chills, muscle aches, headache (may be severe), flu-like symptoms, sensitivity to light with pain behind the eyes, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, fatigue, and weakness. Most patients will recover completely.
What is the treatment for West Nile disease?
Treatment facts. No vaccine or particular antiviral treatments for West Nile virus infection are available. Non-prescription pain relievers can be used to lower fever and relieve some symptoms. In severe cases, patients often need to be hospitalized to get encouraging treatment, such as intravenous fluids, pain medication, and nursing care.
