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.