Many people show no West Nile Virus symptoms and do not get sick when infected with this viral disease. When infection does lead to illness, signs are mostly visible in about two weeks and the extent and severity vary widely from person to person. This article takes a brief look at everything about the infection from how it is spread to treatments possible.
Certain types of mosquitoes that bite infected birds spread this viral disease. It is then spread to people and other animals and cannot be spread from person to person or animal to person by means of casual contact. The CDC is yet to give any credence to the rumors that it can be spread from a mother to her child through breast milk, recommending instead that mothers still go on breastfeeding.
Though there are no clear signs of indications of the disease in about eighty per cent of individuals mild signs include fever, rush on back or chest, headaches, fatigue and in exceptional cases swollen glands. These signs are found to clear in seven days and in severe cases, they last for even six months. Signs of severe infection may include the spinal cord and the brain though rare and can cause paralysis leading to a coma or, though very rare, death.
Any individual is at risk of infection no matter the health status and age however serious health effects increase with age. People with weak immune systems are also at greater risk of developing serious effects. Others that are highly susceptible include those with chronic diseases such as cancer, alcoholism, diabetes, or heart disease.
If your doctor suspects that you are infected they are most likely to order a blood test to confirm diagnosis. There are no specific treatments for West Nile Virus and you can recover at home for mild cases, as the body has to fight it off. For serious cases, one may be hospitalized for treatment to help the body fight the illness.
Prevention is better than cure therefore, one is advised to use insect repellent when outdoors. If you notice some of West Nile Virus symptoms, it is best to rush down to the hospital for proper diagnosis. You should contact the local health department for more information on the virus within your locality.
Certain types of mosquitoes that bite infected birds spread this viral disease. It is then spread to people and other animals and cannot be spread from person to person or animal to person by means of casual contact. The CDC is yet to give any credence to the rumors that it can be spread from a mother to her child through breast milk, recommending instead that mothers still go on breastfeeding.
Though there are no clear signs of indications of the disease in about eighty per cent of individuals mild signs include fever, rush on back or chest, headaches, fatigue and in exceptional cases swollen glands. These signs are found to clear in seven days and in severe cases, they last for even six months. Signs of severe infection may include the spinal cord and the brain though rare and can cause paralysis leading to a coma or, though very rare, death.
Any individual is at risk of infection no matter the health status and age however serious health effects increase with age. People with weak immune systems are also at greater risk of developing serious effects. Others that are highly susceptible include those with chronic diseases such as cancer, alcoholism, diabetes, or heart disease.
If your doctor suspects that you are infected they are most likely to order a blood test to confirm diagnosis. There are no specific treatments for West Nile Virus and you can recover at home for mild cases, as the body has to fight it off. For serious cases, one may be hospitalized for treatment to help the body fight the illness.
Prevention is better than cure therefore, one is advised to use insect repellent when outdoors. If you notice some of West Nile Virus symptoms, it is best to rush down to the hospital for proper diagnosis. You should contact the local health department for more information on the virus within your locality.
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To discover how to protect yourself against West Nile Virus, click the info link for more details. To discover how to protect yourself against West Nile Virus, go to West Nile Virus symptoms today.
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