A mosquito bite can turn into something much more severe if it infects you with the West Nile virus sometimes called WNV. Mosquitoes transmit this virus by biting an infected bird and then biting a person. Not all people with infected mosquito bites get the disease, however. WNV can be severe for people older than 60 years and people with weakened immune systems.
If diagnosed and treated quickly, the outlook for West Nile virus recovery is good. If you have West Nile virus, you will typically show the first virus symptoms within three to 14 days of being bitten. West Nile virus symptoms vary in severity.
Severe symptoms can include:. A severe infection can last for several weeks. In rare cases, a severe infection can cause permanent brain damage.
Mild forms of West Nile virus may be confused with the flu. Symptoms include:. Infected mosquitoes usually spread the West Nile virus. The mosquito first bites an infected bird and then bites a human or another animal. In rare cases, blood transfusions, organ transplants, breastfeeding, or pregnancy can transfer the virus and spread the illness.
Anyone bitten by an infected mosquito can get West Nile virus. However, less than one percent of people who are bitten develop severe or life-threatening symptoms. Age is one of the most significant risk factors for developing severe symptoms from a West Nile infection. In most cases, your doctor can diagnose West Nile virus with a simple blood test. This can determine whether you have genetic material or antibodies in your blood associated with West Nile virus.
If your symptoms are severe and brain-related, your physician may order a lumbar puncture. Also known as a spinal tap, this test involves inserting a needle into your spine to extract fluid.
West Nile virus can elevate the white blood cell count in the fluid, which indicates an infection. MRI and other imaging scans can also help detect inflammation and brain swelling. But you can take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, to relieve symptoms of West Nile virus such as muscle aches and headaches. If you experience brain swelling or other severe symptoms, your doctor may give you intravenous fluids and medications to lower the risk of infections.
Research is currently being done on interferon therapy for West Nile virus. How is West Nile virus diagnosed? Your doctor will order a blood test to check for antibodies to the West Nile virus. He or she may also do a lumbar puncture to test cerebrospinal fluid for signs of infection. How is West Nile virus treated? Your healthcare provider will figure out the best treatment based on: How old you are Your overall health and medical history How sick you are How well you can handle specific medications, procedures, or therapies How long the condition is expected to last Your opinion or preference There's no specific treatment for West Nile virus-related diseases.
If a person gets the more severe form of the disease, West Nile encephalitis or meningitis, treatment may include intensive supportive therapy, such as: Hospitalization Intravenous IV fluids Breathing support ventilator Prevention of other infections such as pneumonia or urinary tract infections Nursing care What are the complications of West Nile virus?
However, the virus can cause life-threatening illnesses, such as Encephalitis inflammation of the brain Meningitis inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord Meningoencephalitis inflammation of the brain and its surrounding membrane Can West Nile virus be prevented? If you spray your clothing, there's no need to spray repellent containing DEET on the skin under your clothing.
When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants treated with repellents containing permethrin or DEET since mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing. Don't directly apply repellents containing permethrin to exposed skin. Consider staying indoors at dawn, dusk, and in the early evening. These are peak hours for mosquito bites, especially those mosquitoes that carry the West Nile virus. Limit the number of places for mosquitoes to lay their eggs by getting rid of standing water sources from around your home.
To boost your protection from insect repellent, remember: Sweating, or water may call for reapplication of the product. If you aren't being bitten, you don't need to reapply repellent. Use enough repellent to cover exposed skin or clothing. Don't apply repellent to skin that's under clothing. Heavy application isn't needed for protection. Don't apply repellent to cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.
After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water. Don't spray aerosol or pump products in enclosed areas. Don't apply aerosol or pump products directly to your face. Spray your hands and then rub them carefully over the face, avoiding your eyes and mouth.
Some experts suggest that it's acceptable to apply repellent with low concentrations of DEET to infants older than age 2 months. For children younger than age 2, only one application per day of repellent containing DEET is recommended. When using repellent on a child, apply it to your own hands and then rub them on your child.
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. Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water in flower pots, buckets, old tires, etc.
If you find a dead bird, don't touch it with your bare hands or try to move it. Let your parents know so they can contact your local health department right away Using insect repellent is the easiest and most effective way to avoid mosquito bites. The Environmental Protection Agency EPA offers these additional tips for applying insect repellants: Don't use insect repellent on skin that is already covered by clothing.
Do not apply repellant directly onto a child's face. Instead, spray the repellent in your hands first and then gently rub it on, avoiding the eyes and mouth. Avoid spraying repellent on your child's hands, since she could put them in her mouth or eyes. Wash repellent off once you get back indoors.
Don't use repellent on areas of the skin that are irritated or cut. Stop using a repellent if it gives you a rash or other skin reaction, wash it off and call the doctor. The commitment and compassion with which we care for all children and families is matched only by the pioneering spirit of discovery and innovation that drives us to think differently, to find answers, and to build a better tomorrow for children everywhere. Kevin B. Churchwell, President and CEO. Connect with Boston Children's Hospital.
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