What are some interesting facts about West Nile Virus?

West Nile Virus (WNV) Overview/Prognosis: In general, per NIH, the outcome in humans is usually excellent. Pregnant or nursing women should contact their doctors right away if any of the symptoms listed below are experienced. There is no preventive vaccine.

Once you have had the virus, you are immune (possibly for life) Locations of the virus: To find out if there is known infection in your geographical area, check with the local area department of wildlife and naturalist resources, state epidemiologist at the state health department, or the US Geological Survey (USGS) National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI, 608-270-2400 for information on local area risk In Texas: WNV is known to be widely around in Texas, the telephone number for Texas West Nile Virus information is 1-888-883-9997 The stats for 2011 from the TX Dept of State Health Services Infectious Disease Control Unit: 54 cases in mosquitoes tested in 3 counties, 1 case in birds in 1 county, 2 cases in humans in 2 counties Incidence and Symptoms: Less than 1% of bites from mosquitoes, even those infected, result in severe human illness Severe Cases (aka West Nile Encephalitis, WN Meningitis) 1 out of 150 people infected get severe illness and they are most likely to be over age 50 Symptoms (SX) in severe illness (one or more of): Headache, Stiff Neck, Muscle Weakness, Disorientation, Stupor, Loss of Consciousness, Coma, Tremors, Convulsions, Numbness or paralysis of limb, Vision loss, Conjunctivitis, Cough, Dyspnea/shortness of breath 50% of those infected have a rash (chest, stomach, back) SX may last several weeks. The worst complications are neurological, and may be permanent: Brain damage, Polio-like permanent weakness of muscles, Death (2005 stats= 3000 cases & 119 deaths. Approximately 10% of patients with brain inflammation do not survive.) Treatment: Seek urgent medical care if any of the severe symptoms above are experienced, and emergency care if there is a severe headache or confusion.

Hospitalization is usually needed for IV fluids, other symptomatic treatment, respiratory care and nursing care Less Severe Cases (aka West Nile Fever) 20% of people infected have milder SX.

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