- Most people will not even know they are infected.
- About 20% of infected people develop flu-like symptoms.
This is called West Nile fever. These people may have a fever, body
aches, and possibly a rash.
- Of those that become infected, 1 in 150 will go on
to have the more severe form of the disease. They may have a stiff
neck, and muscle weakness, and they may become confused or disoriented.
Such people may have seizures, go into a coma, and, in rare occasions,
may die. People over the age of 50 are at highest risk of getting
the severe infection.
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Symptoms can appear between 3 and 15 days after a
mosquito bite from an infected mosquito.
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Symptoms of West Nile fever will generally last a
few days, although even some healthy people report being sick for
several weeks. Symptoms of severe disease (encephalitis or meningitis)
may last several weeks, and some symptoms may become permanent.
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Other illnesses can cause symptoms just like those
described above for West Nile virus. The only way to know if you have
West Nile virus is to see your health care provider. Your health care
provider will need to run laboratory tests to find out if you have
West Nile virus or not. If you are concerned about your health or
about the health of someone in your family, please contact your health
care provider.
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There is no specific treatment for disease caused
by West Nile virus. Antibiotics do not work. There is no vaccine for
humans. You must try and prevent infection.
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No. People rarely become sick from a mosquito bite.
However, people with a high fever, severe headache, and muscle weakness
or confusion should see a doctor immediately. People with flu-like
symptoms are likely to recover completely and do not need to visit
a doctor. Even in areas where mosquitoes carry the virus, very few
mosquitoes are infected. The chance that one mosquito bite will be
from an infected mosquito is very small.
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Usually no. West Nile fever generally goes away after
several days. Some people may develop a brief, West Nile fever-like
illness (early symptoms) before they develop more severe disease,
although it is not known how often this occurs.
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|
Katie Mullaly
Public Information Officer
Summit County Health Department
650 Round Valley Drive
Park City, Utah
Phone: 435-333-1503
Fax: 435-333-1580
kmullaly@utah.gov
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Carolyn Rose
Nursing Director
Summit County Health Department
650 Round Valley Drive
Park City, Utah
Phone: 435-333-1504
Fax: 435-333-1580
carose@utah.gov |
