West Nile Virus is common in Africa, West Asia, Middle East and United States. When a mosquito infected by west nile virus bite a human being, the virus slowly circulates in the blood and may spread after a few days.
As stated, there are at least 36 species of mosquitoes that carries West Nile Virus and the most common carriers is Culex pipiens that are found in the United States.
Usually the incubation period of West Nile Virus is from 3 to 14 days with symptoms of mild disease that might last in a few days. A person being infected with this virus will suffer illnesses known as West Nile encephalitis, West Nile meningitis or West Nile meningoencephalitis.
Mild symptoms of a person infected with West Nile Virus may include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Body pain
- Skin rashes
- Swollen lymph glands
Severe infections include:
- Headache
- High fever
- Neck stiffness
- Stupor
- Disorientation
- Coma
- Tremors
- Convulsions
- Muscle weakness
- Paralysis
There is no specific cure for West Nile Virus however, intensive supportive therapy which involves hospitalization, intravenous fluids, airway management, respiratory support, and good nursing care are recommended.
