West Nile Virus (viral encephalitis,
western equine)
Even though it was discovered all the way back in 1937 in Africa,
the West Nile virus probably didn't make its way to the United
States until 1999. But since then, it has been a cause of concern
all over the country during the summer months.
West Nile virus is caused by a bite from an infected mosquito
that's already carrying the virus, but it's important to remember
that not all mosquitoes are infected. In many parts of the United
States, the risk of being bitten by an infected mosquito is
greatest from July to early September. But in some parts of the
country, mosquito bites can be a risk all year long.
Not everyone who gets bitten by an infected mosquito will get the
virus. And although kids can get West Nile virus, it's rare for
them to become very sick from it.
Symptoms of West Nile virus really depend on the person who
becomes infected. Kids with normal immune systems (say: ih-myoon),
the system of the body that fights off disease and infection,
usually get just a mild "flu-like" illness and may not feel bad at
all with the infection.
People over 50 years old and those with weakened immune systems
due to HIV/AIDS, cancer, or organ transplants are most at risk for
the infection.
West Nile Symptoms
Most of the time, symptoms of West Nile virus are similar to the
flu and include:
fever
headache
neck and back stiffness
muscle ache
tiredness
joint pain
swollen glands
rash
In the most rare and extreme cases, West Nile virus can cause a
condition called encephalitis (say: en-sef-uh-ly-tis), which is
irritation and swelling of the brain.
West Nile virus is not spread from person to person. That means if
your friend next door just got it, and you played together the day
before, you won't get the virus. And though pets can get the
virus, they can't spread it to people. The only way to get it is
from the bite of an infected mosquito.
So, what's being done to stop the spread of West Nile virus?
Health officials in each state do their best to find out where
mosquitoes live and kill the eggs of mosquitoes that might carry
the virus.
You can do your best to prevent coming in contact with West Nile
virus. Here's what to do:
Wear insect repellent. Repellents that include one of these
ingredients are best: DEET, lemon eucalyptus, or picaridin. Ask a
parent to help you apply them.
Playing outside at midday will help you avoid getting bitten
because mosquitoes are most likely to be out during early morning
or early evening.
When possible, wear socks, long sleeves, and long pants when
you're playing outside.
Never play near standing water like creeks or wading pools
(mosquitoes love to hang out there!).
Growing Stronger, Growing
Better
Global Health
Healthcare Provider
West Nile Virus - treatment of West Nile Virus,
West Nile Virus types, Disease medicines, West Nile Virus symptoms, West
Nile Virus and Disease symptoms, West Nile Virus symptoms Disease and
diagnosis, Symptoms and Solutions, Signs and Symptoms, type of West Nile
Virus, cause common, common West Nile Virus, West Nile Virus List, causes
list, Infectious West Nile Virus, Causes, Diseases , Types, Prevention,
Treatment and Facts, West Nile Virus information, West Nile Virus:
Definition, West Nile Virus names, medical West Nile Virus, medical West
Nile Virus and disorders, cell West Nile Virus, West Nile Virus Worldwide,
West Nile Virus Research, West Nile Virus Control, West Nile Virus Center,
Digestive West Nile Virus Week, Information about West Nile Virus, causes of
different West Nile Virus, West Nile Virus Articles, West Nile Virus and
conditions, Health and West Nile Virus, West Nile Virus Patients, West Nile
Virus and Sciences, causes of alzheimer's West Nile Virus, West Nile Virus
causes, alternative medicine heart West Nile Virus, body ailments, West Nile
Virus medicines, medical antiques, type of blood West Nile Virus