- West Nile Virus Slideshow Pictures
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- West Nile virus facts
- What is the history of West Nile virus?
- Where did the West Nile virus come from?
- How do people get West Nile virus?
- How do mosquitoes get infected with the West Nile virus?
- Is the West Nile virus contagious?
- Besides mosquitoes, can other insects transmit the West Nile virus?
- Are there other viruses like the West Nile virus?
- What are West Nile virus infection symptoms and signs?
- When is there an increased risk for West Nile virus infection?
- Who is at risk for getting a West Nile virus infection?
- What is the treatment for West Nile virus? Is it possible to prevent West Nile virus infection with a vaccine?
- Is a woman's pregnancy at risk if she gets infected with the West Nile virus?
- What can a community do to reduce the risk of an outbreak of the West Nile virus?
- What can a person do to reduce the risk of becoming infected with the West Nile virus?
Quick GuideWest Nile Virus Pictures Slideshow: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
What are West Nile virus infection symptoms and signs?
Mild infections are common with the West Nile virus. Symptoms of a mild infection include fever, headache, and body aches, which are often accompanied by a skin rash that does not itch and swollen lymph nodes.
More severe infections are less common and are marked by headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor (sleepiness), disorientation, coma, tremors, occasional convulsions, paralysis, and rarely death. West Nile virus meningitis or encephalitis may result in a prolonged recuperation and rehabilitation period, especially in the elderly.
Since most cases of West Nile virus infection are mild, the prognosis for recovery is generally good. In severe cases, death rates are highest in the elderly.