West Nile Virus: What You Need to Know

Translate to Spanish or other 102 languages!

West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. Image for illustration purposes
West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. Image for illustration purposes
- Advertisement -

KEY POINTS

  • There are no vaccines or medicines to prevent West Nile virus disease (West Nile).
  • The best way to prevent West Nile is to protect yourself from mosquito bit
  • West Nile virus is most commonly spread through the bite of an infected mosquito.
  • Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash.
  • There are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat West Nile virus disease (West Nile) in people.
  • You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent mosquito bites.

Overview

West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. It is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Cases of West Nile occur during mosquito season, which starts in the summer and continues through fall. 

- Advertisement -

There are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat West Nile in people. Fortunately, most people infected with West Nile virus do not feel sick. About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About 1 out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness. Reduce your risk of West Nile by preventing mosquito bites.

Prevention tips

West Nile virus is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes bite during the day and night.

There are no vaccines or medicines to prevent West Nile. 

- Advertisement -

The best way to prevent West Nile is to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

  • Use insect repellent
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants
  • Treat clothing and gear
  • Take steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors

Additional information about protecting yourself from mosquito bites is available on the CDC Mosquitoes website.

Information Source: CDC

See related Story:

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -

More Articles

FDA Approves First Heart Valve Designed to Grow with Children

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved the Autus Size-Adjustable Valve, a surgically implanted pulmonary heart valve for pediatric patients with congenital pulmonary valve disease.

DHR Health Offers Mammogram Screening Special During “Breast Cancer Awareness Month”

October is “Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” and DHR Health is encouraging women to prioritize their breast health by offering their annual mammogram screening special.

Healthy Lifestyle Changes to Effectively Manage AFib

As alarming as an AFib diagnosis can be, it can give a person a chance to take control of contributing factors they can change, said Dr. Lee L. Eckhardt, a professor of medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. People who learn they have AFib can change their habits in ways that may lower their risks over time.

How Robotic Innovation is Transforming Breast Cancer Surgery

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Reports show one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer, and some may have to undergo a mastectomy, which can now be performed robotically.
- Advertisement -