Symptoms of West Nile Virus
Mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus (WNV) may bite you and you may be infected, but you may not have any symptoms. About 80% of people have no symptom. Symptoms of West Nile Virus occur in about 20% of people. This mild disease is generally called West Nile fever. When an infected mosquito bites someone, West Nile Fever develops within 3 to 14 days and persists for a few days (For more, visit - How Do You Get West Nile Virus). Symptoms of West Nile Virus are as followed-
Symptoms of West Nile Virus
- Fever
- Headaches
- Body aches
- Tiredness, lack of appetite
- Nausea and Vomiting
- A sore throat
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Swollen lymph nodes (sometimes)
- Rash, usually on the chest, back and arms (sometimes)
- Eye pain (sometimes)
In less than 1% of patients, West Nile Virus (WNV) crosses the blood-brain barrier and causes severe illness that is called "neuroinvasive" disease. In this case, the nervous system is affected. In severe cases, an inflammation of the brain called West Nile encephalitis or, an inflammation of the meninges called West Nile Meningitis can occur. Inflammation of the brain and the membrane surrounding it may also occur which can be life-threatening. It is called meningoencephalitis. Symptoms of West Nile Encephalitis or meningitis may persist for weeks and, certain neurological effects, such as muscle weakness, may be permanent. Symptoms of West Nile Virus (WNV) in this severe case are as followed-
- High fever
- A severe headache
- Tremors or muscle jerking
- Stiff neck
- The weakness of one arm or leg
- Seizures
- Stupor or lack of consciousness
- Disorientation or confusion
- Coma
- Pain
When to make an appointment with a doctor?
Go to a doctor, if you have symptoms of West Nile Virus infection, especially if you may have had contact with mosquitoes mainly during summer months (May to October) or if you are from a geographic area where West Nile virus is known to appear. Go to hospital emergency department immediately if you are severely ill, especially having a high fever, a severe headache, a stiff neck, disorientation or sudden muscle weakness or an altered mental state. If your age is over 50 or if you are immunocompromised, you should contact your health provider immediately. (See also- West Nile Virus Diagnosis, Prognosis, Complications)
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