What are the symptoms and treatment for West Nile Virus?
Most people who are bitten by a mosquito with WNV will not get sick. People who do become ill may experience mild to moderate flu-like symptoms including fever, skin rash, neck stiffness or swollen lymph nodes, headache and body ache. However, WNV can cause serious illness, including swelling of the brain. It is estimated that less than 1% of the people who are infected with WNV become severely ill and require hospitalization. Those at greatest risk for serious illness from WNV are the elderly and individuals with lowered immune systems. Currently there is no specific treatment for WNV infection. Since it is a virus it does not respond to antibiotics. In severe cases, hospitalization and supportive care is required. If you have symptoms similar to those of West Nile virus, contact your doctor.
