Westnile Disease
About the Virus, the Disease, and Its SpreadWest Nile virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito, and can infect people, horses, many types of birds, and some other animals. Most people who become infected with West Nile virus will have either no symptoms or only mild ones. However, on rare occasions, West Nile virus infection can result in severe and sometimes fatal illnesses. There is no evidence to suggest that West Nile virus can be spread from person to person or from animal to person.Overview of West Nile Virus Updated Q: What are West Nile virus, West Nile fever, and West Nile encephalitis?A."West Nile Virus" is a flavivirus commonly found in Africa, West Asia, and the Middle East. It is closely related to St. Louis encephalitis virus found in the United States. The virus can infect humans, birds, mosquitoes, horses and some other mammals."West Nile fever" is a case of mild disease in people, characterized by flu-like symptoms. West Nile fever typically lasts only a few days and does not appear to cause any long-term health effects.More severe disease due to a person being infected with this virus can be "West Nile encephalitis," "West Nile meningitis" or "West Nile meningoencephalitis." Encephalitis
The West Nile virus appears to be firmly established in the United States, and researchers expect its continued spread and entrenchment in wildlife populations. Symptoms of mild disease will generally last a few days. For more severe cases, the symptoms may continue for several weeks. To be on the safe side about using repellents, you and your parents should check out the and the (Environmental Protection Agency) for more information. · Check to see if there is an organized mosquito control program in your area. One of the species of mosquitos found to carry West Nile virus is the Culex species which survive through the winter, or "overwinter," in the adult stage. The virus may also cause death in certain domestic and wild birds, especially crows, ravens, and jays. refers to an inflammation of the brain, meningitis is an inflammation of the membrane around the brain and the spinal cord, and meningoencephalitis refers to inflammation of the brain and the membrane surrounding it. Is the disease seasonal in its occurrence?A. There is no documented evidence that mosquitoes have transmitted WNV from one person to another. · When possible, wear long-sleeved clothes and long pants treated with repellents containing DEET since mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing. The symptoms for West Nile fever include West Nile virus symptoms listed above, as well as:· Skin rash on torso· Swollen lymph glands Only 1 in 150 people will develop this more severe form of West Nile virus. Ask your parents to help you spray all those hard-to-reach spots. By providing information about this potentially lethal virus, we are raising the awareness of the online community.
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