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.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

Prevent mosquito contact:

• 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.

Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation, or rehab, is a program to help you return to normal life as much as possible. Rehab helps you regain and relearn the skills of everyday living. You may need any of the following:

• Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy (OT) uses work, self-care, and play activities to help you in your daily life. OT teaches special skills for bathing, dressing, cooking, eating, or driving. An occupational therapist may help you choose tools to use, and suggest ways to keep your home or workplace safe. You and your therapist will plan a therapy program that is right for you.
  
  
• Physical therapy: Your caregiver may want you to go to physical therapy. A physical therapist will help you with special exercises. These exercises help make your bones and muscles stronger.
  
  
• Speech therapy: A speech therapist may work with you to help you talk.

Rest: You may feel like resting more. Slowly start to do more each day. Rest when you feel it is needed.

For more information: Accepting that you have West Nile virus infection may be hard. You and those close to you may feel scared, sad, or angry. These are normal feelings. Contact the following for more information about WNV infection:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  National Center for Infectious Diseases
  Phone: 1-888-4437232
  Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/
  

• National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases
  NIAID Office of Communications & Public Liaison
  6610 Rockledge Drive, MSC 6612
  Bethesda, Maryland 20892-6612
  Phone: 1-301-496-5717
  Web Address: www3.niaid.nih.gov
  

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• 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.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

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.

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