Overview
Definition
West Nile virus (WNV) is a potentially serious illness, flaring up during summer and fall in North America. The disease is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito after it has fed off a bird infected with the virus. WNV is not spread through touching or kissing someone with the virus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention linked WNV found in birds in New York with an ongoing human encephalitis outbreak in 1999. Since then, case counts in the United States have grown with cases identified in nearly all of the lower 48 states.
Sometimes, WNV can develop into West Nile encephalitis, West Nile meningitis or West Nile meningoencephalitis. Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain, meningitis is an inflammation of the membrane around the brain and the spinal cord, and meningoencephalitis refers to inflammation of the brain and its surrounding membranes.
Prognosis
Most cases of mild WNV go away on their own. Over-the-counter medications help relieve symptoms. However, if you develop a severe infection, you will need to be hospitalized.
More on West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus - It's Here and It's Here to Stay
West Nile Virus Questions and Answers Update
What Is St. Louis Encephalitis?
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