The West Nile Virus is a difficult one for the medical community to treat. It’s a disease that humans catch when bitten by infected mosquito. The mosquitoes get the disease from birds. When active, the West Nile Virus will cause a fever, general fatigue, a headache, a rash, and many body aches. First detected in 1999 in the United States, it is estimated that about 2,000 people will become infected in the US every year and about 100 people will die from the infection. Although relatively rare, these are the facts that you’re going to want to know.
1. It can cause the brain to swell.
The biggest issue that people face with a West Nile diagnosis is the possibility of their brain becoming inflamed. When brain inflammation is present, it causes the organ to swell and press against the base of the skull, creating a potentially life threatening condition. This is called encephalitis and is one of the primary causes of death that occurs when someone has an active viral infection. The neuroinvasive version of the virus can also cause meningitis too.
2. It’s been around for awhile.
The West Nile Virus might have made its way to the US in 1999, but it’s been around since at least 1937. That’s when it was first discovered by scientists in Uganda. It’s a flavivirus, which means its closest relatives cause diseases like yellow fever, dengue fever, and other forms of encephalitis. It’s not just mosquitoes that can spread the disease either, although it is the most common transmission point. West Nile can also be spread by ticks, through organ transplants, and through blood transfusions.
3. Most people don’t even know they’ve been infected.
For the average healthy person, they probably won’t even know that they’ve been given the virus. A healthy immune system can typically fight off the infection before it becomes a systemic issue. Even when an active infection is present, however, up to 80% of people don’t experience any symptoms. For those who do, the issue is the length of time that the infection is active. It can take several weeks for a full recovery to be achieved.
4. Proactive preventions can help stop disease transmission.
Early Autumn tends to be when infections spike, so one of the easiest ways to prevent getting the disease is to wear long sleeves and pants. Staying inside during high mosquito activity times, like dawn or dusk, can also prevent a lot of West Nile exposures. If you are around mosquitoes, then using DEET, lemon eucalyptus, or picardin can help to keep the mosquitoes away.
5. It comes from birds.
The West Nile virus is carried from infected birds to people by mosquitoes. There is no evidence that this disease is transmitted from person to person. Since its original outbreak in New York City in 1999, West Nile has occurred in more than 47 states.
6. There is no treatment available.
People who have West Nile have to get over it on their own. Although inflammation can be treated to prevent brain and nervous system tissue swelling, there is no treatment to eliminate the virus. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required so that help with breathing and IV fluids can be introduced to help facilitate a natural recovery.
Most West Nile Virus infections are mild and not even noticed. If you do experience symptoms that seem like the flu, especially in Autumn, then being tested for West Nile is an important step to take. Although the chances are that your infection would be mild, a simple test could help recognize a severe infection and get you the help that you need.