What are Symptoms of West Nile Virus in Humans?

West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne viral disease that can cause a range of symptoms in humans, from mild to severe. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Culex mosquito, and cases of WNV have been reported in nearly every state in the United States.

Mild Symptoms

For most people, WNV causes mild symptoms, which can include:

1. Fever: A high temperature, usually above 102°F (39°C)
2. Headache: A sharp, throbbing pain in the head, often accompanied by a fever
3. Muscle weakness: Feeling weak or tired, particularly in the arms and legs
4. Rash: A flat, red rash on the skin, often accompanied by itching or burning
5. Swollen lymph nodes: Swelling in the lymph nodes, particularly in the neck and groin area

These mild symptoms are usually mild and may not require hospitalization. In most cases, people with mild WNV infection recover on their own within a few days to a week.

Severe Symptoms

In some cases, WNV infection can progress to severe symptoms, which can be life-threatening. These severe symptoms include:

1. High fever: A fever above 104°F (40°C)
2. Severe headache: A severe, throbbing pain in the head that cannot be relieved by medication
3. Stiff neck: Severe stiffness in the neck, which can be accompanied by a fever
4. Confusion: Disorientation, difficulty concentrating, and memory loss
5. Seizures: Severe muscle contractions, tremors, or seizures
6. Radiculopathy: Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs, arms, or face
7. Respiratory failure: Difficulty breathing, rapid shallow breathing, or a pause in breathing
8. Neurological problems: Severe headaches, brain inflammation, or encephalitis

In rare cases, WNV infection can cause long-term neurological problems, such as:

1. Parkinson’s disease: A chronic condition characterized by tremors, rigidity, and difficulty with movement
2. Korsakoff syndrome: A condition characterized by memory loss, difficulty learning, and confusion
3. Guillain-Barré syndrome: A condition characterized by muscle weakness, paralysis, and difficulty with coordination

At-Risk Groups

Certain individuals are at a higher risk of developing severe WNV infection, including:

1. Older adults: People over 60 years of age are more likely to develop severe symptoms and experience higher mortality rates
2. Young children: Infants and young children are also at higher risk of developing severe symptoms
3. People with weakened immune systems: Those with compromised immune systems, such as individuals with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or taking immunosuppressive therapy, are more likely to develop severe WNV infection
4. Pregnant women: Pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing severe symptoms and may be at a higher risk of miscarriage or stillbirth

Prevention

The best way to prevent WNV infection is to take steps to reduce your exposure to infected mosquitoes. These steps include:

1. Wear insect repellent: Use insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus when outdoors
2. Wear protective clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and closed-toe shoes when outdoors
3. Avoid peak mosquito hours: Avoid outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours, typically between dusk and dawn
4. Eliminate breeding sites: Eliminate standing water around your home and community to reduce the breeding sites of mosquitoes

By knowing the symptoms of West Nile virus and taking steps to prevent infection, you can reduce your risk of contracting this serious mosquito-borne illness.