Additional Article: Avoid Mosquito Bites! Protect Yourself Against the West Nile Virus 

  West Nile Virus is usually found in Africa, West Asia and the Middle East. The virus can infect humans, birds, mosquitoes, horses and some other mammals. In humans, the virus can cause mild symptoms, such as fever and headache, or severe symptoms, such as neck stiffness, tremors and convulsions.

  Most people who are infected with the West Nile virus will not have any type of illness. It is estimated that 20 percent of the people who become infected will develop West Nile fever. The symptoms are mild fever, headache and body aches. Occasionally, patients may have a skin rash on the trunk of the body and swollen lymph glands. 

  The symptoms of severe infection (West Nile encephalitis, meningitis and meningoencephalitis) include severe headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis. 

  It is estimated that one in 150 persons infected with the West Nile virus will develop a more severe form of the disease. If you think you may have West Nile virus, schedule an appointment with your physician or visit a Baptist Memorial Hospital emergency department.

  For years, the American public did not hear much about West Nile virus because it was found only on other continents. In 1999, cases were documented in the eastern United States and each year the virus has continued to spread westward. West Nile is closely related to St. Louis encephalitis virus, Western Equine virus and Eastern Equine virus, which are all found in the United States. However, Americans rarely hear about these viruses because they have been circulating in the United States for many years.

  In most cases, humans contract the virus from infected mosquitoes. 

  Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds, which may circulate the virus in their blood for a few days. Infected mosquitoes can then transmit West Nile virus to humans and animals while biting to take blood. The virus is located in the mosquito's salivary glands. During blood feeding, the virus may be injected into the animal or human, where it may multiply, possibly causing illness.

  Federal health officials recently confirmed that humans can contract the virus from the donated organs of people infected with West Nile virus, but the risk is small compared with the benefits of receiving life-saving transplants. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also is investigating whether humans can contract West Nile virus through blood transfusions, but, again, the benefits of receiving donated blood far outweigh the risks. The CDC estimates the chances of a blood transfusion containing West Nile virus are about one in 10,000. 

  Its possible. Veterinarians in Illinois recently confirmed the first case of West Nile Virus in a dog. The 8-year-old dog died from the disease and may have had a weakened immune system before contracting West Nile virus. Although officials do not expect an epidemic of the virus in household pets, they do say older dogs, puppies and dogs with weakened immune systems could be at risk for developing West Nile virus. They also say that, like humans, animals usually get the disease from mosquitoes and it is unlikely the disease can be transmitted from other animals to dogs. 

  No. West Nile virus is NOT transmitted through person-to-person contact. For example, you cannot get West Nile virus from touching or kissing a person who has the disease. Health officials recently confirmed that West Nile virus can be transmitted through donated organs, and intensive studies are under way to see if it can be transmitted through blood transfusions, as well.

  Most likely not. Even in areas where the virus is circulating, very few mosquitoes are infected with the virus. Even if the mosquito is infected, fewer than 1 percent of people who get bitten and become infected will get severely ill. The chances you will become severely ill from any one mosquito bite are extremely small.

  Usually, three to 14 days.

  Yes. The virus may not be the cause of your illness, but you may require medical treatment. You also can visit a Baptist Memorial Hospital emergency department.

  At present, there is no antiviral drug or other treatment that will combat the virus itself. Medical professionals focus on treating the symptoms.

• Avoid mosquitoes: Mosquitoes are most active at night, from dusk to dawn. Avoid the outdoors during this time if you can.
• Use mosquito repellent with DEET: When you are outdoors, wear mosquito repellent. Follow the products directions to determine how frequently you should reapply the repellent. Repellents containing a higher concentration of active ingredients (such as DEET) provide longer-lasting protection. The most effective repellents contain DEET, which is an ingredient used to repel insects such as mosquitoes and ticks. DEET has been tested against a variety of biting insects and has been shown to be very effective. 
• Wear protective clothing: Wearing long sleeves and long pants is an effective way to keep mosquitoes from biting you.

  While documented cases have involved older adults, children can be susceptible to contracting the virus and its related illnesses. Use the same precautions with children that you would with adults. Make sure to read directions on all insect repellents regarding how to use them on children. Take special care with infants and toddlers.

At present, there is no vaccine available to protect people from West Nile virus.

  Yes. Although it has been determined that West Nile virus can be transmitted through organ transplantation and federal officials are investigating whether it can be transmitted through blood transfusions, people should not be afraid of donating blood, receiving blood transfusions or of receiving donor organs. The health risks of a person not receiving a needed blood transfusion or organ transplant far outweigh the very small risk of that person becoming seriously ill from West Nile virus.

  On August 17, 2002, the Food and Drug Administration issued an alert to blood banks and organizations to be vigilant in excluding as blood donors individuals who may have early symptoms of West Nile virus. In addition, the FDA and the CDC have asked that blood banks and others report any cases where a blood recipient develops West Nile virus so that officials can investigate whether the transfusion could have been a factor. 

  The emphasis now is on developing a laboratory test that will quickly detect West Nile virus in the blood. Also, the Food and Drug Administration recently approved the first national trial of a drug to treat the West Nile virus.