|
By Melissa Tennen, HealthAtoZ writer
West Nile Virus. The mere mention in the media of this infectious disease prompts a swarm of telephone calls to local hospitals and doctors' offices. But should you be worried? To find out, HealthAtoZ talked with David Daigle, a spokesman from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
How do people get the West Nile Virus?
David Daigle: Mosquitoes pick up the virus after feeding on infected birds that may have had the disease for several days. After the virus incubates in the mosquito for about 72 hours, the bug can transfer the virus to humans and animals. Less than 1 percent of mosquitoes actually carry the virus.
What are the symptoms and what should people do if they think they are infected?
Daigle: The illness is rare. Most people infected won't have any illness. But 20 percent of those infected have mild symptoms. And from that group, 1 in 150 develop severe infections. After incubating for 72 hours, mild symptoms that might appear include headaches, flu-like symptoms, sore neck and sensitivity to light. If you think you have it, see a doctor right away. Symptoms of mild cases last a few days but then go away. Severe forms may last several weeks.
When did we start hearing about this disease?
Daigle: Recent outbreaks surfaced in Africa and eastern Europe in the mid 1990s. New York City was the first area in this country to report outbreaks with 60 human cases in 1990. Three people died during that first U.S. outbreak.
Who is most at risk?
Daigle: We urge people who are over 50 to be especially careful because their immune systems aren't as good as they used to be. Case fatality rates range from 3 percent to 15 percent and are highest among the elderly.
Do we have a vaccine?
Daigle: One is in development and is being tested on horses this year. But a human vaccine is still years down the road.
What happens to the virus during the winter?
Daigle: Because the disease is fairly new to scientists, we are still learning how the virus survives. We know that if winters are harsh, the outbreaks aren't as severe during the summers.
How do people protect themselves?
Daigle: Wear bug spray containing DEET, an active ingredient found in bug sprays and labeled on products as N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide or, sometimes, N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide. Wear long sleeves and pants. Babies and young children should wear repellents with only 10 percent DEET. Do not use products containing DEET on babies younger than 2 months old. The typical amount for the rest of the population should be 50 percent. Also, towns and cities, both rural and urban, are spraying for mosquitoes. Be sure not to have standing water in your yard. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Also, stay indoors at dawn and dusk.
This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
Return to the previous page
|
