Public Health Department
West Nile Facts
West Nile Encephalitis
Viruses and bacteria can cause encephalitis [an inflammation of the brain] or
meningitis [inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord]. Many
individuals infected with the virus do not become ill, however, in those who
become ill, most infections are mild. In 1999 and 2000, it caused an outbreak of
human encephalitis in and around New York City. It is not known how West Nile
was introduced in the United States.
Natural Transmission
Infected mosquitoes are the primary source for West Nile Virus. Mosquitoes
become infected with West Nile Virus when they feed on infected birds that carry
the virus in their blood. Those infected mosquitoes can then transmit West Nile
Virus to humans and other animals while biting them to take in blood. West
Nile encephalitis is not transmitted from person-to-person.
Signs and Symptoms
Most infections are mild, and symptoms include body aches, skin rash and
swollen lymph glands. More severe infection may be marked by headache, high
fever, stiff neck, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle
weakness and paralysis. Persons with severe or unusual headaches should
seek medical care as soon as possible.
Risk
Everyone is susceptible to West Nile encephalitis or meningitis in areas
where virus activity has been identified; however, less than 1% of people who
get bitten by an infected mosquito will become severely ill.
Treatment
There is no vaccine for West Nile encephalitis. However, a person with severe
disease, intensive supportive therapy is indicated: hospitalization, intravenous
fluids, airway management, respiratory support (ventilator) if needed,
prevention of secondary infections (pneumonia, urinary tract, etc.), and good
nursing care.
How to Prevent Infection
- Empty all sources of standing water such as birdbaths, old tires and toys
where water can collect.
- As much as possible, stay inside when mosquito activity is heavy-dawn, dusk
and early evening.
- Whenever possible, wear long sleeves and long pants.
- Close gaps and cracks in window screens.
- Use insect repellent containing permethrin or DEET. An effective repellent
will contain 35% DEET. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends products
with 10% or lower DEET for children.
- Do not use products with DEET on infants. Apply repellent on exposed skin
and clothes. Do not place on child's hands or near mouth.
- Wash repellent off after coming indoors.
- West Nile Virus and Children
- West Nile Virus Children Brochure in Arabic
West Nile Virus Hotline Number
American crows are susceptible to West Nile Virus infection. Therefore,
crows, ravens and blackbirds found dead less than 48 hours should be reported to
the Michigan Department of Community Health's hotline number at (888) 668-0869, or
access the State's west nile virus web site at www.michigan.gov/westnilevirus.
*Information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and
Preventions should call to arrange a time to drop off dead birds. Health officials urge residents to use gloves to avoid touching dead birds, which should placed in a plastic bag and sealed in a container. Residents who have questions about West Nile Virus can call the Wayne County Department of Public Health's West Nile Virus hotline at: (734) 727-7445.