It has since spread throughout the contiguous United States, but instances are rare. The virus is also found in parts of Asia, the Middle East and Africa. It was first discovered in Uganda in 1937.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that 2,085 cases of West Nile Virus were reported in 2014, the last year available for statistical purposes. The cases were reported to have occurred in 43 states and the District of Columbia, resulting in 84 deaths.
The virus is believed to be transmitted to humans by mosquito bites during warm weather, when mosquitos are most active. The incubation period is about three to 14 days from the time of the bite to the point when symptoms appear.
Mosquitos are infected when they feed on an infected bird. Once a human is infected with West Nile Virus, it can spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, and via transference from mother to child during fetal gestation or breastfeeding, although it’s unclear whether that happens in all cases.
To date, handling animals infected with the West Nile Virus is not believed to be a cause of the disease’s transmission.
Fortunately, most mosquitos do not have the West Nile Virus, and even an infected mosquito may not transmit the virus. Even if the mosquito does pass along the virus, many people show no symptoms of the disease.
Who Is At Risk?
Of the ones who exhibit symptoms, about 20 percent have a mild illness that goes away on its own, while about 1 percent develop a more serious condition like meningitis (which affects the brain or spinal cord) or encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain. It can cause acute flaccid paralysis, which is sudden weakness in arms, legs or breathing muscles.
The virus seems to have a greater chance of causing severe illness in those older than age 50 and in people with compromised immune systems. Those battling severe illnesses like cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes and kidney disease are also considered to be at risk of developing a more serious illness.
If you do become ill from West Nile Virus, symptoms will last a few days in most cases (but could be several weeks in some) and include headache, fever, skin rash, body aches and swollen lymph glands. West Nile Virus sufferers with more severe symptoms report neck stiffness, high fever, disorientation, stupor, tremors, coma, muscle weakness, convulsions and paralysis. In some cases, West Nile Virus can kill its victim.
Diagnosis of the West Nile Virus is done via lab tests of spinal fluid and blood, which can detect specific antibodies fighting the virus, and clinical observation of symptoms. There is no specific treatment for West Nile Virus, other than hospitalization and intensive care treatment for the most severe cases, which can include pain medication and intravenous fluids. The best protection is to avoid mosquito-infested areas like swamps, woods, parks and backyards.
Take Precautions
When you go outdoors during the summer months, it’s advisable to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites. Wear the proper clothing – long sleeves and pants and socks to cover ankles. Keep in mind that mosquitos are most active at dawn and dusk, so plan your outdoor activities at other times. It’s also advisable to use approved insect repellents like DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Remember not to apply repellent to the face or scratched or irritated skin. Make sure you thoroughly wash the areas of skin where you applied repellent after you’re done with your outdoor activity.
Mosquito Elimination
The best way to make sure you’re clear of mosquitos that carry the West Nile Virus is to make sure they’re not breeding in an area near your home. That means making sure you’re mindful of any body of water that may provide breeding grounds, including pools, puddles or trash cans that may fill with water after a rainfall. Mosquitos generally need four days to establish a colony, so act to remove standing water before that time limit to halt breeding.
One of the most overlooked breeding grounds for mosquitos are discarded tires, which can trap water and provide a secure spot for breeding. It’s also smart to drill a small hole in any recycling container to allow water to drain and eliminate potential breeding grounds.
While cleaning gutters is generally thought of as a fall activity, it’s wise to spend some summer time clearing them of fallen debris, particularly if you’re in a wooded area. Clogged drains may accumulate water and allow for mosquito breeding.
If you have a child’s wading pool or wheelbarrow outdoors, make sure it’s turned over and drained when not in use. It’s also wise to include fish in any outdoor pond areas, as their movements will aerate the water and prevent mosquito breeding.
For your home, make sure you have proper screens in all windows and doors, and repair any cracks or tears that might allow mosquito entry. Air conditioning can help eliminate the threat of mosquito penetration through screens.
Many communities have mosquito control teams that spray areas infested with the insects and work to disrupt potential habitats and eliminate breeding structures. Your local health department can advise whether there is such a program in your area and tell you about the types of insecticides being used to remove the mosquitos.
Finally, if you have horses or donkeys in a corral, make sure you speak to a veterinarian about a special West Nile Virus vaccine for your animals. They can acquire the virus and potentially pass it along. If any dead birds are spotted, it’s important to let animal control know immediately so the bodies can be removed. It also will help local authorities track the potential for a West Nile Virus outbreak in your area.