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What is West Nile
Virus?
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The West Nile Virus
can be a serious threat to human and animal health. The most serious
effect of West Nile is fatal encephalitis, which is an inflammation of
the brain, in humans and horses. West Nile also kills certain species of
domestic and wild birds.
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Where is West Nile
found? |
West Nile Virus
first appeared in Africa in the 1930’s, but has spread to the temperate
regions of Europe and North America, including Northern Kentucky, in
recent years. The first case of West Nile in the United States was
reported in 1999. Since then, 49 states and the District of Columbia
have reported West Nile cases.
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What are the
symptoms West Nile? |
Most often if you
are exposed to the West Nile virus, you will not show any symptoms.
Symptoms of a
mild infection include: fever, headache, body aches, and swollen
lymph glands.
Symptoms of a
severe infection include: high fever, sever headache, neck
stiffness, stupor, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, muscle
weakness, paralysis and coma.
Contact your health
care provider if you have any of these symptoms. If severe symptoms
develop, see your doctor immediately.
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How is West Nile
spread? |
The West Nile virus
is transferred to humans through bites from an infected mosquito. It is
estimated that less than 1 percent of all mosquitoes have West Nile. If
a human is bitten by an infected mosquito, he/she has a less than 1
percent chance of developing symptoms of West Nile, and only a small
number of those people with symptoms become seriously ill.
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How can I keep from
getting West Nile? |
The West Nile virus
is transferred to humans through bites from an infected mosquito.
Follow these tips to avoid mosquito bites and eliminate mosquito breeding areas:
How to avoid mosquito bites
- Be aware that mosquitoes are most
active at dawn, dusk and early evening. Stay inside during these times
if possible.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long
pants outdoors.
- Spray exposed areas of skin and
clothing with repellents containing permethrin, DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide),
picardin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Apply insect repellent sparingly to
exposed skin. Be sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s directions
for use.
- Don’t forget your pets - Dogs and cats
also are susceptible to diseases, such as WNV and other illnesses
spread by mosquitoes. Pet owners should use a veterinarian-recommended
mosquito and tick repellent. Be sure to read and follow the
manufacturer’s directions for use.
Mosquito proof your home
- Survey property for areas of standing water and
eliminate mosquito breeding areas by removing it as it accumulates.
- Destroy or dispose of tin cans, old tires,
buckets, unused plastic swimming pools or other containers that collect and hold
water. Do not allow water to accumulate in the containers for more than two
days.
- Install or repair screens. Some mosquitoes like to
come indoors. Keep them outside with well-fitting screens on both windows and
doors.
Help your community
- Clean up. Mosquito breeding sites can be everywhere. Neighborhood clean up days can be organized by civic or youth organizations to pick up containers from vacant lots and parks and to encourage people to keep their yards free of standing water. Mosquitoes don't care about fences, so breeding sites anywhere in the neighborhood should be targeted.
- Report swimming pools that are neglected and in
a state of disrepair to the Health Department.
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If I’ve been exposed
to West Nile, how long will it take for symptoms to develop?
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The symptoms of West
Nile Virus generally appear about three to six days after exposure, but
may appear as early as one day after exposure or as late as 15 days. |
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What treatments are
available for West Nile? How serious is the disease? |
There is no specific
treatment for West Nile Virus infection. Doctors can treat the symptoms
of encephalitis in a hospitalized patient. Most people recover from the
illness. The mild flu-like symptoms generally do not require medical
treatment.
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Can I get West Nile
from another person who is infected? |
No.
West Nile Virus infection is not transmitted from
person-to-person. You cannot get West Nile Virus from touching or
kissing a person who has the disease, nor from a health care worker who
has treated someone with the disease.
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Can I get West Nile
from a pet, or another domestic or wild animal? |
No,
West Nile Virus is not transmitted from animal-to-animal or
animal-to-person. Only an infected mosquito can transmit the virus. |
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Where can I get more
information on West Nile? |
For more information
and information on recent cases online, you can visit:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The Kentucky Department for Public Health
Or, for more
information on the Health Department’s programs, please the
Environmental Health and Safety office at 859.341.4151. |
