Late summer brings excitement about college football and hopes that the weather will soon cool off, but it also brings a risk for West Nile Virus, a common infection, but one that is not frequently diagnosed.
It is important to be familiar with the signs and symptoms of this infection and ways to prevent it. The University of Alabama’s Dr. Jared Ellis provides some basic information about the disease, as well as ways to prevent it.
- West Nile Virus was first identified in 1937 in the African country of Uganda and first diagnosed in the United States in 1999 in New York. It is transmitted by mosquitoes that have bitten infected birds. Between 60 percent and 80 percent of people who contract the virus have no symptoms; 20 percent to 40 percent have only mild to moderate nonspecific symptoms, which could include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes and loss of appetite. Of those who have symptoms, 25 percent to 50 percent have a rash on the trunk and arms.
- Studies estimate that in the United States, one of every 140 to 250 people have been infected at some point in their lives, but few are diagnosed. However, about 1 percent of those who get this infection develop serious neurologic (brain) effects known as West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease. Symptoms include tremors, confusion, severe headaches, weakness in one or more limbs and coma. West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease is fatal to between 3 percent and 15 percent of people who contract it, and it is more common in children, the elderly and those with significant chronic conditions.
- If you are concerned that you may have West Nile Virus, see your doctor, and talk about your concerns. Blood and other tests can be performed. If symptoms are not severe, it may not be necessary to be tested as there is no specific treatment that cures West Nile Virus or West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease.
- Awareness and prevention are key to avoiding West Nile Virus. Avoid being outside at dusk or dawn when mosquitos are prevalent. If possible, wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors. Use mosquito repellants. Drain standing water in your surroundings to limit mosquito breeding. And, safeguard your children.
Ellis is an assistant professor in UA’s department of family medicine at the College of Community Health Sciences. He is also associate director of the College’s Family Medicine Residency.
