West Nile virus isn't spread between humans. However, in a few cases it has spread through organ transplant. Health officials think the organ donor acquired the virus through a blood transfusion. All blood is screened for the virus. The risk for getting West Nile virus from blood is much lower than the risk of not having any procedure that would call for a blood transfusion. Most people infected with West Nile virus have only mild, flu-like symptoms that last a few days.
Symptoms usually appear within 3 to 14 days of infection. These are the most common symptoms of West Nile fever:. The more severe form of the West Nile virus affects mostly older adults.
It occurs when the virus crosses the blood-brain barrier and can cause:. The symptoms of West Nile virus may look like other conditions or health problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. Certain things can increase the risk for getting West Nile virus. You are more likely to get the virus if you are exposed to mosquito bites during the summer months. Most people who are infected have a minor illness and recover fully.
But, older people and those with weak immune systems are more likely to get a serious illness from the infection. There's no specific treatment for West Nile virus-related diseases. If a person gets the more severe form of the disease, West Nile encephalitis or meningitis, treatment may include intensive supportive therapy, such as:. Usually, the West Nile virus causes mild, flu-like symptoms.
However, the virus can cause life-threatening illnesses, such as. At this time, there's no vaccine available to prevent West Nile virus. Repellents are effective only at short distances from the treated surface, so mosquitoes may still be flying nearby. Always follow the directions on the insect repellent to determine how often you need to reapply repellent.
To boost your protection from insect repellent, remember:. Repellents containing a higher concentration of active ingredient such as DEET provide longer-lasting protection. Read the directions to find out how long your product will last. Most people infected with the West Nile virus will have only mild symptoms.
However, if any of the following serious symptoms develop, seek medical attention right away:. Health Home Conditions and Diseases. But, the virus can cause life-threatening illnesses, such as: Encephalitis inflammation of the brain Meningitis inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord Meningoencephalitis inflammation of the brain and its surrounding membrane What causes West Nile virus?
What are the symptoms of West Nile virus? These are the most common symptoms of West Nile fever: Fever Headache Body aches Skin rash on trunk of body Swollen lymph glands The more severe form of the West Nile virus affects mostly older adults. You're more likely to develop a severe or fatal infection based on:. Your best bet for preventing West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses is to avoid exposure to mosquitoes and remove standing water, where mosquitoes breed.
Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version.
This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview A mosquito-transmitted virus causes most cases of West Nile infection. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. West Nile virus transmission cycle Open pop-up dialog box Close. West Nile virus transmission cycle When a mosquito bites an infected bird, the virus enters the mosquito's bloodstream and eventually moves into its salivary glands.
Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references West Nile virus. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed Nov. Petersen LR. Epidemiology and pathogenesis of West Nile virus infection. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of West Nile virus infection. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. West Nile virus. Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Minus Related Pages.
Symptoms No symptoms in most people. Symptoms of severe illness include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. Severe illness can occur in people of any age; however, people over 60 years of age are at greater risk for severe illness if they are infected 1 in 50 people.
People with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and people who have received organ transplants, are also at greater risk. Recovery from severe illness might take several weeks or months.
0コメント