🦠 West Nile Fever

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🦠 West Nile Fever

West Nile fever is a viral infection caused by the West Nile virus (WNV).
It is primarily spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Most people recover — but in some cases, it can become serious.

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🧠 What’s Actually Happening?

The virus cycle works like this:

• Birds carry the virus

• Mosquitoes bite infected birds

• The virus multiplies inside the mosquito

• The mosquito bites a human

• The virus enters the bloodstream

In most people:

• The immune system clears the virus

In some:

• The virus can cross into the nervous system

• It may cause brain inflammation (encephalitis)

• Or inflammation around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis)

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⚠️ Who Is at Higher Risk?

• Adults over 60

• People with weakened immune systems

• People with chronic health conditions

Healthy young adults usually have mild illness.

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🔍 Symptoms

🔹 Most people (about 80%)

No symptoms at all.

🔹 Mild illness (West Nile fever)

• Fever

• Headache

• Body aches

• Fatigue

• Nausea

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Rash (sometimes)

Symptoms usually last a few days to weeks.

🔴 Severe illness (Neuroinvasive disease)

• High fever

• Stiff neck

• Confusion

• Muscle weakness

• Tremors

• Seizures

• Paralysis

This form requires emergency medical care.

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🧪 How It’s Diagnosed

• Blood tests

• Spinal fluid testing (in severe cases)

There is no specific antiviral cure.

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🛠 Treatment

Treatment is supportive:

• Rest

• Fluids

• Pain control

• Hospital care for severe cases

Recovery from severe cases can take months.

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💉 Prevention

There is no human vaccine for West Nile virus.

Prevention focuses on avoiding mosquito bites:

• Use insect repellent

• Wear long sleeves

• Eliminate standing water

• Use window screens

Mosquito control is key.

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💥 Bottom Line

West Nile fever is:

• A mosquito-borne viral infection

• Usually mild or asymptomatic

• Occasionally severe and life-threatening

• Preventable by mosquito control

If someone develops high fever, confusion, or neurological symptoms during mosquito season — seek medical care immediately.