About this topic
West Nile virus is also called WNV. It is caused by a virus. This illness is passed on by infected mosquitoes. You cannot get it from some other person. Those living in an area where West Nile virus is present in mosquitoes can get infected from a single mosquito bite. ‚
Most people have very mild signs or no signs at all. Some people have swelling around the brain and spine. WNV can be deadly. ‚
There are no specific treatments or vaccines for WNV. Treatment depends on the signs. It is important to prevent fluid loss. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take your drugs as directed by the doctor.
- Get lots of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities.
- Your care at home will be based on how sick you are. Some people are able to return to their normal life fairly quickly. Others may need more care.
- Heat may help sore muscles. Put a heating pad on your sore area for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Never go to sleep with a heating pad on as this can cause burns.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Lower fever
- Help with pain and swelling
- Treat the signs of WNV
Will physical activity be limited?
Physical activities may be limited if you are in pain. ‚
What problems could happen?
Problems from mild WNV are rare. Problems from severe WNV may include: ‚
- Brain damage
- Long-term muscle weakness
- Death
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
Get rid of areas where mosquitoes like to breed. ‚
- Drain unused swimming pools.
- Dump out water that may collect in tires, buckets, or containers.
- Clean or unclog roof gutters.
- Clear your yard of dead trees to remove insects that live in them.
Protect yourself. ‚
- Use mosquito repellent on your skin.
- Wear clothes that will cover your arms and legs.
- Avoid unnecessary activities outside your house.
- Place wire screens in your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes from coming in.
- Sleep under a mosquito net.
- Avoid places where there is a WNV fever outbreak.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of serious WNV infection. These include very bad headache, changes in your ability to think clearly, confusion, or stiff neck.
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Helpful tips
- Do not touch dead birds unless you are wearing gloves.
- Call your health department if you find a dead bird.
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how to lower my chances of having mosquitos around.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a very bad headache or am not able to think clearly.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/wnv_factSheet.htm ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/outdoor/west_nile.html ‚
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases ‚
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/westNile/understanding/Pages/what.aspx ‚
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/1123/viewAbstract ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚