| West Nile virus | |||||
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West Nile virus is a virus that is mainly transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that is infected. Mosquitoes become infected with this virus by feeding on the blood of birds that carry the virus.
When people are first infected with the West Nile virus, they experience either no symptoms or just mild flu-like symptoms (fever, headache, body aches, skin rash or swollen lymph glands). Sometimes the West Nile virus can cause severe illness, which can result in hospitalisation and even death if the infection progresses too far in those susceptible groups of people.
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Important West Nile virus facts
- People over 50 have the highest risk for developing severe symptoms from West Nile virus
- About one in 150 people infected with West Nile virus will develop severe illness
- Around 80% of people infected with West Nile virus will have no symptoms at all
- Up to about 20% of people have mild flu-like symptoms which will resolve on their own within a few weeks to several weeks
- In a very small number of cases the West Nile virus has been spread through transfusions and transplants from infected person and from mother to unborn child
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If a person is going to get sick from the West Nile virus, it will be around 3 and 14 days after they are bitten by the infected mosquito.
There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus - the symptoms are treated accordingly:
- People with a lower grade symptoms - over the counter (OTC) medication such as analgesics for pain and fever
- People with more severe symptoms - usually need to be hospitalised and receive intravenous fluids, help with breathing and nursing care
references
- El Adlouni S, Beaulieu C, Ouarda TB, Gosselin PL, Saint-Hilaire A. Effects of climate on West Nile Virus transmission risk used for public health decision-making in Quebec. Int J Health Geogr. 2007 Sep 20;6(1):40
- Maramorosch K, Shatkin AJ. Advances in Virus Research, Volume 69. 1st edition, 2007. Academic Press
- Parker JN. The Official Patient's Sourcebook on West Nile Virus. Icon Health Publications, 2003
- Pereboev A, et al. Genetically delivered antibody protects against West Nile virus. Antiviral Res. 2007 Sep 14
To learn more, go to the following web sites:
- Department of Health & Ageing (Australia)
- Centre for Disease Control (USA)
