Preventing West Nile Virus

West Nile virus is a risk you can do something about.

West Nile virus is now in most of the United States.

The most important way people become infected is through the bite of an infected mosquito. You can reduce your chance of getting infected by avoiding mosquito bites.

Adults are at highest risk.

People over age 50 and people who have ever received a solid organ transplant are more likely to develop serious symptoms of West Nile virus if they do get sick and should take special care to avoid mosquito bites.

What happens if I get infected?

A small number of people (about 1 in 150) who get infected with West Nile virus develop severe disease, called West Nile encephalitis or West Nile meningitis (inflammation of the brain or the area around the brain). Symptoms of severe illness include headache, high fever, stiff neck, mental confusion, muscle weakness, tremors (shaking), convulsions, coma, and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent. See your health care provider if you develop these symptoms.

Some people who become infected have symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms can last for a few days to several weeks. Call your health care provider if you have questions about your symptoms.

Most people who get infected with West Nile virus do not have any symptoms. There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus infection. There is no vaccine available for people.

What Can I Do to Prevent WNV?

The easiest and best way to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites.

- When you are outdoors, use insect repellents containing an EPA-registered insect repellent. Follow the directions on the package.

- Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours.

- Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.

- Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren’t being used.

Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information http://www.cdc.gov/westnile.