West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus
By Judy Parsons

It may be early, but summer will be here quickly, and with it, mosquito season. It seems
that there has been an abundance of pesky black birds who are potential carriers of
West Nile Virus. West Nile Virus is mainly transmitted when a mosquito takes a blood
meal from an infected bird and then feeds on a human (or other animal, such as horses),
transmitting the virus. The incubation period is typically 2 to 6 days, but can range from 2
to 14 days. This one little mosquito bite could change a person’s life.
Most people (8 out of 10) infected with the West Nile Virus do not develop any
symptoms. About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever with other symptoms,
such as headaches, body aches, and other minor symptoms, but recover completely
with some fatigue and weakness for a few weeks or months. People with immune
deficiencies and over the age of 60 are at greater risk of developing severe illness if
they are infected (1 in 50 people). Symptoms of severe illness include coma, stupor,
high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, muscle
weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. Symptoms can resemble those of a
stroke, encephalitis, and meningitis. Recovery from severe illness might take several
weeks or months. Some effects on the central nervous system might be permanent.
About 1 out of 10 people who develop severe illness affecting the central nervous
system die. Diagnosis of West Nile Virus is based on signs and symptoms, exposure to
mosquitoes that can carry the Virus and laboratory testing of blood and spinal fluid.
After a definite diagnosis, there is very little treatment available. There is no vaccine or
specific medication to treat West Nile Virus. Medical care included rest, giving IV fluids
when needed, and over-the-counter pain medications to relieve some of the achy
symptoms. Depending on the severity, hospitalization may be required along with rehab
for physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
Prevention of West Nile Virus depends on mosquito control. Communities and home
owners can reduce mosquito populations by spraying and reducing mosquito breeding
sites. Standing water is a prime breeding habitat and can be treated with insecticides.
Personal protective measures include the use of mosquito repellents, wearing long-sleeved
shirts, long pants, and limiting outdoor exposure from dusk to dawn.
Some 2025 West Nile Virus statistics from the CDC are:
Cases in: Kansas – 31
Colorado – 285
Missouri – 43
Nebraska – 54
Oklahoma – 55
Texas – 127
New Mexico – 51
West Nile Virus is a serious disease that is somewhat difficult to diagnose and can be
very serious for some people. So when summer comes, be prepared to protect yourself
from West Nile Virus and avoid getting sick, especially if you are in one of the vulnerable
populations. The Centers for Disease Control website has more information on West
Nile Virus.
Source used: CDC-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website – https://
www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html.