West Nile virus is no laughing matter, and ever since it was discovered in North America in 1999 (infecting humans and horses), it appears to be evolving as more and more individuals are infected with this potentially fatal disease. In 2006, West Nile virus became an epidemic that infected humans in almost every single state (Idaho infected worst with 996 people contracting West Nile), but every state except Alaska and Hawaii was showing evidence of West Nile in birds, insects, and other animals. With 43 states showing evidence of human infection and all the continous states having West Nile infecting birds, insects, or other animals, West Nile has increasingly become something to worry about.
West Nile is a virus that transfers to humans via a bite from a mosquito who is also infected from West Nile. Mosquitoes get West Nile virus by blood they feed off of birds that carry West Nile. West Nile cannot be transferred from human to human. It is not contagious in people. It can only be “caught” by getting bitten by an infected mosquito.
West Nile can be a very dangerous virus. While many people will show no symptoms of having the virus at all, or simply show mild symptoms, like fevers, headaches, nausea or vomiting, or body aches, other people who are infected with West Nile may get meningitis or inflammation in their brain as a result of contracting West Nile. West Nile can cause neurological damage, including swelling of the brain, paralysis, or even coma, when it is serious.
Older individuals are the most susceptible to West Nile, and anyone who is bitten by a mosquito should know to look for the danger signs. These include muscle weakness, high fever, stiffness in the neck, confusion, loss of conciousness, and severe headache. If any of these symptoms are present after being bitten by a mosquito, a person should seek medical care immediately. Untreated, West Nile can be a fatal virus. It can also cause irreparable neurological damage if very serious, even if treated.
Most people who do contract West Nile will show no symptoms of the virus at all (and remember, it is not contagious from person to person). 80% of people will show no symptoms, 20% of people will show mild symtoms that will fade within a few days to a few weeks, and 1 in every 150 people infected with West Nile will become seriously ill.
There is no main cure for West Nile virus. Serious cases need to seek medical care, but for the most part, individuals will heal on their own without need for medical attention. In the case of a serious infection, medical care is necessary. People age 50 and over are the most susceptible to West Nile Virus.
Preventing getting West Nile virus lies in being properly protected against mosquitoes by wearing proper clothing and using a mosquito repellent.
Sources:
http://www.mosquito-netting.com/west-nile.html
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/mapsactivity/surv&control06Maps.htm;
http://www.lchd.org/personal_health/factsheet/Fact%20Sheet%20PDFs/WestNileVirus2011-03-04.pdf
