What is West Nile virus?

West Nile is a virus, one of the families of flaviviruses. West Nile has been established in Africa, West Asia, and the Middle East for a long time, but was not seen in the Western Hemisphere until 1999. West Nile infects birds and after a mosquito bites an infected bird, the virus lives in its' salivary glands. A mosquito bites a human or other animal and transfers the virus.

How does West Nile infect humans?

West Nile infects humans after an infected mosquito bites them. West Nile cannot be transmitted from person to person or from an infected animal or bird to people.

What happens if an infected mosquito bites me?

If you are infected with West Nile virus, chances are you will not even know it or you may have mild symptoms. The incubation period for West Nile is 3-15 days. Most young, healthy people experience mild symptoms such as rash, fever, body aches, headache, or swollen glands. The symptoms usually last only a few days. Less than 1% of those bitten by infected mosquitoes will become severely ill and those over 50 years of age are at the greatest risk. In those that become severely ill, the virus crosses their blood-brain barrier and causes inflammation to the brain or encephalitis. The symptoms of encephalitis are severe headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, paralysis, or even death.

How do I prevent West Nile virus?

The only way to protect yourself is to limit your exposure to mosquitoes. This can be done in several ways:

• Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most likely to be out-in the early evening, at dusk, and at dawn. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors, especially at the peak mosquito hours. Apply insect repellant that contains DEET to exposed skin. The more DEET a repellant contains does not increase its' effectiveness at repelling mosquitoes, it only increases the length of time that the repellant works. Any concentration over 50% does not increase the length of protection. Choose a repellant that provides protection for the amount of time that you will be outdoors; if you will only be out 15-30 minutes, a lower concentration of DEET would be appropriate. Spray your clothing with repellant containing DEET.Place mosquito netting over infant carriers or strollers when you are outdoors with infants. Install or repair window and door screens so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors.
• Avoid providing breeding grounds for mosquitoes around your living area by removing any standing water in bird baths, flower pot dishes, dog bowls, clogged rain gutters, buckets, and other items that collect water.

Is there a vaccine for west Nile virus?

No, there is no vaccine for West Nile at this time. Several companies are working towards developing a vaccine.

What do I do if I think I have West Nile?

Contact your health care provider if you think you have symptoms of West Nile. If you develop a high fever, confusion, muscle weakness, or severe headache you should seek medial attention immediately. West Nile is diagnosed by drawing a blood sample and sending it to a public health laboratory.

For further information or questions, contact UMKC Student Health and Wellness at (816) 235-6133 or at studenthealth@umkc.edu.

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