Overview

A mosquito-transmitted virus causes most cases of West Nile infection. Most people infected with West Nile virus either don't develop signs or symptoms or have only minor ones, such as fever and mild headache. However, some people develop a life-threatening illness that includes inflammation of the spinal cord or brain.

Mild signs and symptoms of a West Nile virus infection generally go away on their own. But severe signs and symptoms — such as a severe headache, fever, disorientation or sudden weakness — require immediate attention.

Exposure to mosquitoes where West Nile virus exists increases your risk of getting infected. Protect yourself from mosquitoes by using mosquito repellent and wearing clothing that covers your skin to reduce your risk.

Symptoms

Most people infected with the West Nile virus have no signs or symptoms.

Mild infection signs and symptoms

About 20 percent of people develop a mild infection called West Nile fever. Common signs and symptoms include:

Fever

Headache

Body aches

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Fatigue

Skin rash

Serious infection signs and symptoms

In less than 1 percent of infected people, the virus causes a serious neurological infection, including inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) and of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).

Signs and symptoms of neurological infections include:

High fever

Severe headache

Stiff neck

Disorientation or confusion

Stupor or coma

Tremors or muscle jerking

Seizures

Partial paralysis or muscle weakness

Signs and symptoms of West Nile fever usually last a few days, but signs and symptoms of encephalitis or meningitis can linger for weeks or months. Certain neurological effects, such as muscle weakness, can be permanent.

When to see a doctor

Mild symptoms of West Nile fever usually resolve on their own. For signs or symptoms of serious infection, such as severe headaches, a stiff neck, disorientation or confusion, seek medical attention right away. A serious infection generally requires hospitalization.

Causes

West Nile virus transmission cycle Open pop-up dialog box Close West Nile virus transmission cycle West Nile virus transmission cycle When a mosquito bites an infected bird, the virus enters the mosquito's bloodstream and eventually moves into its salivary glands. When an infected mosquito bites an animal or a human (host), the virus is passed into the host's bloodstream, where it may cause serious illness.

Typically, West Nile virus spreads to humans and animals via infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. You can't get infected from casual contact with an infected person or animal.

Most West Nile virus infections occur during warm weather, when mosquitos are active. The incubation period — the period between when you're bitten by an infected mosquito and the appearance of signs and symptoms of the illness — ranges from two to 14 days.

West Nile virus has occurred in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. It appeared in the United States in the summer of 1999, and since then has been reported in every state except Hawaii and Alaska, as well as in Canada.

Other possible routes of transmission

In a few cases, West Nile virus might have spread through other routes, including organ transplantation and blood transfusion. However, blood donors are screened for the virus, substantially reducing the risk of infection from blood transfusions.

There also have been reports of possible transmission of the virus from mother to child during pregnancy or breast-feeding or exposure to the virus in a lab, but these are rare and not conclusively confirmed.

Risk factors

Most cases of West Nile virus in the United States occur June through September. Cases have been reported in all 48 lower states.

Risk of serious infection

Even if you're infected, your risk of developing a serious West Nile virus-related illness is extremely small — less than 1 percent of people who are infected become severely ill. And most people who do become sick recover fully. You're more likely to develop a severe or fatal infection based on:

Age. Being older puts you at higher risk.

Being older puts you at higher risk. Certain medical conditions. Certain diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension and kidney disease, increase your risk. So does receiving an organ transplant.

Prevention

Your best bet for preventing West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses is to avoid exposure to mosquitoes and eliminate standing water, where mosquitoes breed.

Unclog roof gutters.

Empty unused swimming pools or empty standing water on pool covers.

Change water in birdbaths and pet bowls regularly.

Remove old tires or unused containers that might hold water and serve as a breeding place for mosquitoes.

Install or repair screens on windows and doors.

To reduce your exposure to mosquitoes: