What kills West Nile virus?
There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus infection. Mild illness does not require therapy other than medication to reduce fever and pain. When West Nile infects the brain, intensive supportive therapy is needed.
What caused West Nile virus?
What causes West Nile virus? West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected female mosquito. The mosquitoes get the virus when they bite an infected bird. Crows and jays are the most common birds linked to the virus.
What virus is responsible for West Nile?
West Nile Virus (WNV) is a member of the flavivirus genus and belongs to the Japanese encephalitis antigenic complex of the family Flaviviridae.
Who discovered the West Nile virus?
West Nile virus was first identified in 1937 in Uganda in eastern Africa. It was first discovered in the United States in the summer of 1999 in New York. Since then, the virus has spread throughout the US. Researchers believe West Nile virus is spread when a mosquito bites an infected bird and then bites a person.
Can a laboratory worker get West Nile virus?
Transmission of WNV to laboratory workers has been reported. Infection with WNV is either asymptomatic (no symptoms) in around 80% of infected people, or can lead to West Nile fever or severe West Nile disease. About 20% of people who become infected with WNV will develop West Nile fever.
What are the symptoms of the West Nile virus?
The symptoms of severe infection (West Nile encephalitis or meningitis) can include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, stupor, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis, and coma. It is estimated that one in 150 persons infected with the West Nile virus will develop the more severe form of the disease.
Where was the first case of West Nile virus?
West Nile Virus (WNV) is a member of the flavivirus genus and belongs to the Japanese encephalitis antigenic complex of the family Flaviviridae. West Nile Virus (WNV) was first isolated in a woman in the West Nile district of Uganda in 1937.
Can a dead crow be tested for the West Nile virus?
The State Health Department is using dead crow sightings to track West Nile virus, so it is important to report any dead crows to your local health department. Not all dead crows need to be tested for West Nile virus.
When to test for the West Nile virus?
For answers to health questions and clinical symptoms of the West Nile virus infection, please call the Department of Health Animal Disease Prevention Division at (202) 535-2323 Monday through Friday from 8:15 am to 4:45 pm. How do health care providers test for West Nile virus?
How does Nebraska prevent the spread of West Nile virus?
The Nebraska Department Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Public Health tracks and helps prevent the spread of West Nile virus (WNV). Most people who become infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms.
How often does West Nile virus get into the brain?
In one in every 150 infections, the virus gets into the brain ( encephalitis) or into the tissues covering the brain and spinal cord ( meningitis ). This is what the CDC calls “neuroinvasive” West Nile disease.
Can a person get sick from West Nile virus?
West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne infection that can cause serious illness, and in some cases, death. Although a person’s chances of getting sick are small, there are some simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes. 2. What are the symptoms of West Nile Virus?