West Nile Virus and What You Need to Know

Currently, West Nile virus outbreaks are in several regions across the U.S. In Franklin County, New York, the first case in decades has been confirmed and risk levels have expanded to multiple towns. Cook County, Illinois, has 33 cases that’s nearly double from the previous year and its first virus-related death of the year. Ohio has cases. Cuyahoga and Medina counties prompting health officials to warn of risks wherever mosquitoes are active.

West Nile virus is the leading mosquito-borne disease in the U.S and it continues to create health challenges. According to the CDC, more than 1,300 people annually develop severe illness affecting the central nervous system, and more than 130 die.

West Nile virus is carried by mosquitoes infected after feeding on infected birds. It is not transmitted from person to person but, in rare cases, can spread via blood transfusions, organ transplants, or from mother to baby during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It generally enters people after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Symptoms appear two to six days after exposure. Most people infected do not experience any symptoms. However, some experience mild flu-like illnesses including fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Fatigue can linger for weeks or months. Individuals over 60, with chronic health conditions, and people with weakened immune systems have the highest risk for a severe case.

Since fever is a leading symptom, it is important to take regular temperature checks with thermometers. For example, Exergen’s TAT-2000C Temporal Artery Thermometer that is especially designed for consumers is a good choice because it is accurate, fast, reliable, easy to use, non-invasive, and requires just a gentle swipe across the forehead by softly touching it.

There are no vaccines or antiviral treatments for West Nile. Management focuses on relieving symptoms with rest, fluids, and pain medicines. Those with severe illness may require hospitalization.

Prevention

Prevention is the best defense. People are urged to use insect repellent containing DEET, wear long sleeves and pants, and avoid outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are active. Removing standing water in yards and neighborhoods by tipping, tossing, turning, and treating containers disrupts mosquito breeding.

While most recover the potential for permanent effects and fatalities underscores the need for awareness and community-wide mosquito control initiatives. Vigilance, especially during peak mosquito season, protects everyone, not just individuals, but entire communities.

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