Don't let mosquitoes put your health at risk! Understanding West Nile Virus is crucial, especially during peak season. Protect yourself and your family by knowing how this common mosquito-borne illness spreads and how to prevent it effectively.
What are the main causes of West Nile Virus Infection?
- The primary cause of West Nile Virus infection is the bite of an infected mosquito, specifically Culex species, which transmit the virus to humans.
- Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on birds that carry the virus in their blood, acting as amplifying hosts for the pathogen.
- While rare, the virus can also spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, from mother to baby during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and laboratory exposure.
Key symptoms of West Nile Virus Infection to watch for
- Most people (about 80%) infected with West Nile Virus remain asymptomatic, experiencing no symptoms at all and often unaware they have been infected.
- Around 20% of infected individuals develop West Nile fever, characterized by fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash.
- A small percentage (less than 1%) develop severe neuroinvasive disease, including encephalitis or meningitis, with symptoms like high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, and paralysis.
How can you prevent West Nile Virus Infection effectively?
- Use EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone when outdoors to prevent mosquito bites.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, to minimize exposed skin.
- Eliminate standing water around your home in containers like buckets, birdbaths, and clogged gutters, as these are prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
>>> See details: Hepatitis D: The Delta Virus Coinfection Explained
Image gallery west nile virus infection
>>> See more: Leishmaniasis: A Guide to this Parasitic Disease
Stay vigilant and take proactive steps to protect yourself from West Nile Virus. By following these simple prevention tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of infection and enjoy the outdoors safely.
>>> Don't miss: Marburg Virus Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Outlook
