Birds are the main host for WNV, and the virus is spread by mosquitoes, both bird to bird and bird to human. Humans are infected when a mosquito feeds on an infected bird and then bites a person. There is no direct person-to-person spread.
Fortunately, 80% of people infected have no symptoms, but about 20% develop a fever and a variety of other symptoms. Common symptoms are headache, pain behind the eyes, weakness, muscle aches, rash, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. These come on anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks after being bitten, so you may well not remember the bite. Symptoms may last for weeks.
A small percentage (less than 1%) of those with WNV symptoms can have much more serious illness, with the virus infecting the brain (encephalitis) and/or the tissues around the spine (meningitis).
There is no treatment for West Nile illness. For those with mild or moderate symptoms, acetaminophen, fluids and rest are advised. If you are among the severely infected, hospitalization is needed, and one in ten with neurologic disease dies, while many more are left with persistent deficits.
Since there is no treatment, and to date no vaccine, preventing mosquito bites is our best defense.
During mosquito season, avoid being outdoors at dawn and dusk or after a rainfall, when the insects are most active. Wear long-sleeved clothing. Use effective mosquito repellants, preferably those with 20-30% DEET. Do not allow standing water on your property to minimize mosquito breeding sites. When it is offered, request that local mosquito-control agencies spray your property.
Avoiding mosquito bites will also reduce the risk of many other mosquito-borne diseases. These vary with your geographic region but include Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Mass, Florida and Michigan; Zika, dengue fever and chikungunya in the southern U.S., and malaria in many parts of Africa, Asia and Central and South America.
“Better DEET than dead.”
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