Is West Nile a virus or bacteria?
Is West Nile a virus or bacteria?
What Is West Nile disease? Viruses and bacteria can cause encephalitis (an inflammation of the brain) in humans and other animals. West Nile encephalitis is a mosquito-borne infection of the brain caused by West Nile virus, a close relative of St. Louis encephalitis virus.
What vector causes West Nile virus?
West Nile virus is spread by the Culex species of mosquito. The main vector species in the U.S. are Culex pipiens, Culex tarsalis, and Culex quinquefasciatus. These mosquitoes typically feed from evening to morning.
What is West Nile virus made of?
West Nile virus (WNV) is a single-stranded RNA virus that causes West Nile fever. It is a member of the family Flaviviridae, from the genus Flavivirus, which also contains the Zika virus, dengue virus, and yellow fever virus. The virus is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes, mostly species of Culex.
What is West Nile virus origin?
Early history West Nile virus was first isolated in 1937 in the West Nile district of Uganda. Since then, there have been outbreaks in Egypt, Israel, South Africa, and in parts of Europe, Asia and North America.
How does the West Nile virus get to people?
It is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Cases of WNV occur during mosquito season, which starts in the summer and continues through fall. There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat WNV in people. Fortunately, most people infected with WNV do not feel sick.
How long does it take for West Nile to show symptoms?
If diagnosed and treated quickly, the outlook for West Nile virus recovery is good. If you have West Nile virus, you will typically show the first virus symptoms within three to 14 days of being bitten. West Nile virus symptoms vary in severity. Severe symptoms can include: A severe infection can last for several weeks.
Are there any over the counter treatments for West Nile virus?
Your healthcare provider can order tests to look for West Nile virus infection. To learn more about testing, visit our Healthcare Providers page. No vaccine or specific antiviral treatments for West Nile virus infection are available. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to reduce fever and relieve some symptoms
When to seek medical attention for West Nile fever?
Mild symptoms of West Nile fever usually resolve on their own. Seek medical attention right away if you have signs or symptoms of serious infection, such as severe headaches, a stiff neck, disorientation or confusion. A serious infection generally needs hospitalization.