What is West Nile encephalitis and How is it Spread?

West Nile encephalitis is a mosquito-borne illness transmitted through the bite of a mosquito which becomes infected with the virus by feeding on an infected bird.  West Nile encephalitis is a vial infection of the brain caused by the West Nile virus, a serious or even fatal illnesss particularly in the elderly and those with weakend immune systems.  West Nile virus is not transmitted from person to person or from birds to person.  West Nile virus is spread by infected mosquitoes which may be active during daylight as well as evening hours, but they are most active between dusk and dawn.

What are the symptoms of West Nile encephalitis?

Symptoms generally occur five to 15 days following the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people who are infected have no symptoms or may experience a fever and headache before fully recovering. More severe infections result in high fever, headache, confusion, muscle aches and weakness, seizures, or paralysis. At its most serious, the infection can result in coma, permanent neurological damage, and death.

Who is at risk of contracting West Nile encephalitis?

The virus can infect anyone, but the elderly, the very young and those with weakened immune systems are at the greatest risk for developing serious disease.

Is there a vaccine or treatment for West Nile encephalitis?

There is no vaccine and treatment is directed at relieving symptoms. Because they are viral infections, antibiotics are not effective and there is no specific treatment available.

How can West Nile encephalitis be prevented?

Preventing mosquito bites is the best way to prevent West Nile encephalitis.

Wear long sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks when outdoors and use mosquito repellent on exposed skin.

Use insect repellent with no more than 30% DEET, but use sparingly and with care. (Products containing 10% or less DEET are recommended for children up to five years of age, but products containing DEET should not be used on infants..  Avoid prolonged and excessive use of DEET. Carefully read and follow directions on the container and wash treated skin when mosquito exposure has ended).

Avoid unnecessary outdoor activity from dusk until dawn when mosquitoes are most active. During the day, favorable mosquito habitats, such as woods and wetlands also should be avoided.

Remove water from cans, jars, discarded tires, clogged roof gutters, yard decorations, or any other outdoor containers since mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water.

Drain or cover home, municipal, or club swimming pools. Drain flooded basements or other collections of water as a  result of recent flooding. All of these serve as potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Ensure that your home has tight-fitting screens over windows and doors to keep mosquitoes from entering apartments and homes.