What virus causes west nile virus
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You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. Avoid children's eyes and mouth and use the repellent sparingly around their ears.
Don't apply repellent to children's hands because children tend to put their hands in their mouths. Don't allow a young child to apply his or her own insect repellent. Keep repellents out of reach of children. Don't apply repellent to skin under clothing. If repellent is applied to clothing, wash treated clothing before wearing again.
Always consult your healthcare provider for more information. When should I call my healthcare provider? However, if any of the following serious symptoms develop, seek medical attention right away: High fever Severe headache Stiff neck Confusion Muscle weakness Vision loss Numbness Paralysis Tremors Seizures Coma Key points Humans get West Nile from the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus can cause life-threatening illnesses, such as encephalitis, meningitis, or meningoencephalitis.
There is no vaccine available to prevent West Nile virus. So, it is important to avoid mosquito bites. Next steps Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider: Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen. Before your visit, write down questions you want answered. Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.
At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you. Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are. Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways. Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean. Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit. Media Resources. Fauci in the News. Congressional Testimony. Past Events. Kinyoun Lecture Series. LaMontagne Lecture Series. Hill Lecture Series. Director, Anthony Fauci, M. Profiles, Awards and Honors. Laboratory of Immunoregulation. Previous Directors. Office of the Director. Division of AIDS. Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Transplantation. Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.
Division of Extramural Activities. Division of Clinical Research. Division of Intramural Research. Vaccine Research Center. Organizational Chart. Joseph J. Kinyoun: Father of the NIH. Joseph Kinyoun: Selected Bibliography. Career Opportunities. Research Training.
Autoimmune Diseases Committee. Board of Scientific Counselors Members. Executive Committee. Advisory Council. Advisory and Peer Review Committees. Visitor Information. Skip to Close. Organization History. Mild symptoms of West Nile fever usually resolve on their own. Seek medical attention right away if you have signs or symptoms of serious infection, such as severe headaches, a stiff neck, disorientation or confusion.
A serious infection generally needs hospitalization. When a mosquito bites an infected bird, the virus enters the mosquito's bloodstream and eventually moves into its salivary glands.
When an infected mosquito bites an animal or a human host , the virus is passed into the host's bloodstream, where it may cause serious illness. West Nile virus generally spreads to humans and animals from bites of infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes get infected and carry the virus after biting infected birds. You can't get infected from casual contact with an infected person or animal.
Most West Nile virus infections happen during warm weather, when mosquitoes are active. The incubation period — the period between when you're bitten by an infected mosquito and the appearance of signs and symptoms of the illness — generally ranges from four to 10 days.
It appeared in the United States in the summer of , and since then has been reported in every state — except Hawaii and Alaska — as well as in Canada. In a few cases, West Nile virus might have spread through other routes, including organ transplants and blood transfusions.
However, blood donors are screened for the virus, greatly reducing the risk of infection from blood transfusions.