loader image
Thursday, January 15, 2026
47.9 F
McAllen
- Advertisement -

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

Resolutions That Add Years—and Quality—to Your Life

Following a joyful holiday season spent with loved ones, many people start the new year feeling sluggish—often from indulging in rich food and drinks or falling out of their workout routines.

Why Women’s Weight Gain May Begin Decades Before Menopause

Weight gain is common in women during perimenopause and after menopause, but the physical changes underlying it start much earlier in adulthood.

Scientists Identify a Treatable Vulnerability in Aggressive Blood Cancer

New research co-led by Indiana University School of Medicine scientists has exposed a vulnerability in acute myeloid leukemia by identifying the blood cancer's reliance on a specific signaling pathway involved in the body's inflammation response.

Substance Use and Treatment in 2025: AMA Report Reveals Critical Data

Overdose deaths declined from more than 110,000 in 2023 to about 75,000 in 2024, yet there is a tremendous amount of work to be done to sustain and accelerate this progres
- Advertisement -
×