West Nile virus
(WNV) is found most often in birds and is spread to other birds, animals, and occasionally humans by mosquitoes (mosquito-borne) that have fed on infected birds. WNV is similar to other mosquito-borne viruses commonly found. WNV is feared most for its threat of the rare, but serious and sometimes fatal illness West Nile encephalitis (swelling of brain tissue). Even in areas where West Nile virus is circulating, few mosquitoes are actually infected with the virus. However, once mosquitoes are infected, they may transmit the disease by biting birds, animals and humans.
SymptomsMost people infected by West Nile virus have no obvious symptoms. For others, mild to moderate symptoms may appear 3-15 days following infection. Mild symptoms may include:
(WNV) is found most often in birds and is spread to other birds, animals, and occasionally humans by mosquitoes (mosquito-borne) that have fed on infected birds. WNV is similar to other mosquito-borne viruses commonly found. WNV is feared most for its threat of the rare, but serious and sometimes fatal illness West Nile encephalitis (swelling of brain tissue). Even in areas where West Nile virus is circulating, few mosquitoes are actually infected with the virus. However, once mosquitoes are infected, they may transmit the disease by biting birds, animals and humans.
SymptomsMost people infected by West Nile virus have no obvious symptoms. For others, mild to moderate symptoms may appear 3-15 days following infection. Mild symptoms may include:
- fever
- head and body aches
- skin rash
- swollen lymph glands
- headache
- high fever
- neck stiffness
- disorientation
- coma
- tremors
- convulsions
- muscle weakness
- paralysis
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