West Nile Virus Infection

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• West Nile virus infection is a disease that is carried by mosquitoes and is caused by the West Nile virus (WNV). This virus (germ) mainly affects birds, but can also infect people. People usually get the virus when they are bitten by an infected mosquito. A person with WNV infection may pass it to another person through blood transfusions or organ transplants. An infected mother may pass the virus to her unborn child or to her nursing baby through breast feeding.
  
  
• Most people who get a WNV infection do not have any signs or symptoms. People who develop West Nile fever may have mild symptoms and may feel like they have the flu. A fever with signs or symptoms of brain, spinal cord, or nerve problems is seen with a severe WNV infection. These problems may include acting or talking differently than normal, trouble thinking clearly, seizures (convulsions), or severe weakness. A WNV infection may be diagnosed by a lumbar puncture, blood tests, and other imaging tests. Treatment includes treating the signs and symptoms of this disease, as well as its complications. WNV infection may be prevented by controlling human and mosquito contact. With treatment, such as medicines, you may have a greater chance of having a full recovery.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

Home care:

• Drinking liquids: Adults should drink about 9 to 13 cups of liquid each day. One cup is 8 ounces. Good choices of liquids for most people include water, juice, and milk. Coffee, soup, and fruit may be counted in your daily liquid amount. Ask your caregiver how much liquid you should drink each day.
  
  
• Rest: Rest when you feel it is needed. Slowly start to do more each day. Return to your daily activities as directed.

Prevent mosquito contacts:

• Avoid mosquito bites:
  
  
  • Apply an insect repellant containing DEET (active ingredient) to your skin and clothing. An insect repellant helps to keep mosquitoes away. You may also apply an insect repellant containing permethrin (active ingredient) on clothes. Infants, who are less than two months old, should use repellants with 30 percent DEET or less. Always read and follow the instructions on the label when using an insect repellant. Do not use DEET on the hands of young children or on infants who may rub their eyes or mouth.
    
    
  • Do not go outside, especially at dawn (sunrise) and dusk (sunset). Mosquitoes feed most actively during these times. Avoid activities in places where mosquitoes are usually present.
    
    
  • Put screens on all windows and the outside doors of your house.
    
    
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to keep your skin covered.
  
  
• Control mosquito breeding: Mosquitoes lay their eggs and mature in water. It is important not to have any standing water around. You may do the following to decrease mosquito breeding:
  
  
  • Avoid leaving containers that can collect water in an uncovered or upright position. These containers may include wheelbarrows, drums, buckets, or cans. Properly store any open containers that are not being used, such as buckets and cans.
    
    
  • Change water in animal feeders every few days.
    
    
  • Put holes in containers that cannot be thrown out to drain water. Fill in any potholes, patches, and other areas where water is likely to get stagnant. Regularly check ponds, birdbaths, animal feeders, drinking troughs, and other bodies of standing water.
    
    
  • Drain or pump out standing water from newly made swimming pools that are not in use, rain gutters, and ditches.
    
    
  • Use aeration, wherever possible, as a way to prevent mosquito growth. One way to use aeration is to constantly circulate water, which does not allow water to become stagnant. Circulating water also prevents mosquitoes from laying their eggs and maturing.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or has a rash.
  
  
• If your symptoms do not improve with treatment.
  
  
• You have any questions or concerns about your illness, medicine, care, or recovery.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You become confused, act differently than normal, or it is harder than normal to wake you up.
  
  
• You have a bad headache, stiff neck, or trouble thinking clearly.
  
  
• You have seizures (convulsions).
  
  
• You have trouble breathing all of a sudden.
  
  
• Your symptoms are getting worse or coming back.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about West Nile Virus Infection (Aftercare Instructions)