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

How Dreaming Under Anesthesia Helps Ease Surgery Anxiety

A new study suggests anesthesiologists may be able to safely increase the likelihood that patients dream during surgery — and that those dreams are typically positive, calming and associated with a better overall surgical experience.

What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

June is National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of PTSD and educate the public about treatment options and when to seek help.

How Anxiety in Men Frequently Goes Unnoticed

Anxiety is a universal feeling, something anyone can experience at any age, but anxiety is different for adult men, psychologists who study men’s mental health say, both in how it appears and in the challenges men can face in addressing it.

Proven Ways Women Can Reduce Alzheimer’s Risk

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness month. A report from Cleveland Clinic found that a majority of women do not realize they are at greater risk for getting Alzheimer’s.
- Advertisement -