West Nile Virus: What You Need to Know

Lifestyle Medicine | Prevention

West Nile Virus (WNV) is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. It poses a significant health risk during mosquito season, spanning from summer through fall. While most people infected with WNV remain asymptomatic, the virus can lead to severe and sometimes fatal illnesses in a small percentage of cases. Understanding the symptoms, prevention strategies, and when to seek medical attention is crucial for safeguarding your health and the health of your loved ones.

An image of a woman scratching a mosquito bite on her arm.Key Points
  • The virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito
  • It cannot be transmitted from human to human and most people will never know they are even infected
  • There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat the disease in people
  • You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent mosquito bites

There are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat West Nile in people. Fortunately, most people infected with West Nile virus do not feel sick. About 1 in 5 infected people develop fever and other symptoms. About 1 out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness.

An image of an assortment of mosquito repelling productsPrevention Strategies

Preventing West Nile Virus involves reducing mosquito exposure and limiting mosquito breeding sites:

  • Avoid Mosquito Bites: Use insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Wear long sleeves and pants, especially during peak mosquito activity times, such as dawn and dusk.
  • Control Mosquito Habitats: Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Regularly empty and clean containers like bird baths, buckets, and flowerpot saucers. Ensure gutters are clean and do not hold water.
  • Use Mosquito Nets and Screens: Ensure windows and doors are fitted with screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering indoor spaces. If you’re camping or sleeping outdoors, use mosquito nets.
An image of a senior woman or middle-aged woman checking her temperature and looking stunned at the thermometerSymptoms of West Nile Virus

Most people infected with WNV (about 80%) will not show any symptoms. However, for those who do, symptoms can range from mild to severe:

  • Mild Symptoms: Often referred to as West Nile Fever, these can include fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. These symptoms usually appear 3 to 14 days after a mosquito bite.
  • Severe Symptoms: A smaller percentage of people (less than 1%) may develop more serious conditions such as West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease, which includes meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), or acute flaccid paralysis (sudden onset of weakness or loss of muscle tone). Symptoms of severe disease include high fever, neck stiffness, tremors, muscle weakness, vision loss, or confusion.
A profile image of a man wincing in pain as he touches his left shoulder.When to Call Us

If you or someone you know develops symptoms that could indicate a severe case of West Nile Virus—such as high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, or confusion—reach out to us. Early diagnosis and supportive care are crucial for managing severe symptoms effectively.

Dive deeper into this topic at the CDC webpage.

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