More Questions And Answers About West Nile Virus

Are mosquitoes the only source of the disease?

No. There have been cases in babies breastfed by mothers who had the disease, and it is believed to have been passed through a blood transfusion in at least one case.

Are there any other conditions that produce symptoms similar to West Nile Virus?

Severe symptoms of West Nile Virus mimic those in vertebrobasilar (brains stem) stroke. Guillan-Barre syndrome, a condition in children and teens triggered by use of Aspirin or NSAIDs during a viral infection, can cause similar symptoms, as can multiple sclerosis.

What are the most serious complications of the disease?

Usually there are no complications of West Nile Virus infections. However, when the disease causes paralysis, there may be issues with pressure ulcers, deep vein thrombosis, and infections, as there are in other forms of paralysis.

Are there any special risk factors for serious symptoms?

In addition to age, certain conditions that are more often diagnosed after the age of 50 increase the risk of serious symptoms of West Nile Virus.

People who have hypercoagulability disease, whose blood clots too readily, are more likely to develop severe symptoms, as are people who have iron overload diseases such as hereditary hemochromatosis. Diabetics are more susceptible than non-diabetics. as are smokers.

What should I do if I come down with symptoms of West Nile Virus infection?

See your doctor. This condition more often than not passes without causing any serious problems, even in the elderly, but it is not something you can treat on your own.

What can I do to prevent West Nile Virus?

The most useful way to prevent the spread of West Nile Virus, especially after there are news reports of cases in your area, is to prevent the multiplication of mosquitoes. Spraying for mosquitoes, of course, can also cause neurological problems. However, draining ponds and puddles that hold still water, emptying buckets, tires, and cans that hold water, and not allowing water to stand around the bases of potted plants all can help.

When you go outside into a mosquito-infested area, most experts recommend, it is a good idea to spray yourself with a mosquito repellent such as N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, better known as DEET.

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Don't spray mosquito repellents containing the ingredient permethrin directly on your skin. It also helps to wear protective clothing when you go outdoors, long sleeves, long pants, and socks. 

Mosquito-proof your home by making sure doors are closed when they are not in use (this also keeps out mice and rats) and by making sure all open windows are screened. It's OK to let in the breeze, but you don't want to let in the bugs. And when you find dead birds or small mammals that don't seem to have been attacked by other animals, let local public health officials know so they can test for the virus.