The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta has set up a web site (www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/) devoted to information on West Nile virus. One section includes the following commonly asked questions about the virus and its transmission.
Question: Who is at risk for getting West Nile encephalitis?
Answer: All residents of areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk of getting West Nile encephalitis. People older than 50 have the highest risk of severe disease. It is unknown if immunocompromised people are at increased risk for West Nile virus disease.
Question: What are the symptoms of West Nile encephalitis?
Answer: Most infections are mild, and symptoms include fever, headache, and body aches, occasionally with a skin rash on the trunk of the body and swollen lymph glands. More severe infection may be marked by headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, paralysis, and in rare cases, death.
Question: What is the incubation period in humans (i.e., time from infection to onset of disease symptoms) for West Nile encephalitis?
Answer: Usually three to 15 days.
Question: How long do symptoms last?
Answer: Symptoms of mild disease generally will last a few days. Symptoms of severe disease may last several weeks, although neurological effects may be permanent.
Question: I think I have symptoms of West Nile virus. What should I do?
Answer: Contact your health care provider if you have concerns about your health. If you or your family members develop symptoms such as high fever, confusion, muscle weakness, and severe headaches, you should see your doctor immediately.
Question: How do health care providers test for West Nile virus?
Answer: Your physician first will take a medical history to assess your risk for West Nile virus. People who live in or have traveled to areas where West Nile Virus activity has been identified are at risk of getting West Nile encephalitis. People older than 50 years of age have the highest risk of severe disease. If you are determined to be at high risk and have symptoms of West Nile encephalitis, your provider will draw a blood sample and send it to a commercial or public health laboratory for confirmation.
Question: How is West Nile encephalitis treated?
Answer: There is no specific therapy. In more severe cases, intensive supportive therapy is indicated, often involving hospitalization, intravenous fluids, airway management, respiratory support (ventilator), prevention of secondary infections (pneumonia, urinary tract, etc.), and good nursing care.
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