West Nile Virus Symptoms and Complications?

Answer 1

West Nile virus is a contagious virus that is carried by mosquitos. When an infected mosquito bites a human, he or she may contract the virus. The incubation period for the West Nile virus is typically 2 to 15 days, according to the CDC.

Symptoms of The West Nile Virus

Most people experience no symptoms when they become infected with the West Nile virus, according to The Mayo Clinic. However, around 20 percent of those infected with the virus develop a condition called West Nile fever. West Nile fever is characterized by fever, body aches, headaches, drowsiness, and more rarely, swollen lymph nodes, skin rash, or pain in or around the eyes.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, visit a physician as soon as possible. These mild symptoms do not typically indicate a serious infection, and the physician will not be able to cure an infection caused by the West Nile virus. However, he or she can prescribe medications or treatments than can help to alleviate your symptoms.

In addition, it is important that those who are infected with the West Nile virus are counted by the physician and their cases are reported to the CDC. The CDC tracks clusters of West Nile virus infections to help prepare physicians and public health officials in an area that is experiencing a high rate of West Nile virus infections.

Symptoms of a More Serious Infection

Fewer than one percent of those infected with the West Nile virus develop more serious symptoms. These symptoms may include a high fever, a migraine or powerful headache, stiff neck, disorientation, confusion, coma, muscle tremors or jerking, problems with coordination, convulsions, paralysis, or muscle weakness, according to The Mayo Clinic.

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact a physician immediately or visit the emergency room of your local hospital. These symptoms may indicate that the patient has developed a more serious infection such as meningitis or West Nile poliomyelitis. These conditions may be life threatening and they require immediate medical attention. Patients with severe cases of West Nile virus infections typically require hospitalization and more comprehensive treatments.