West Nile Virus: Overview
West Nile virus (WNV) in Wisconsin is a virus that is transmitted by
mosquitoes. Birds are mainly affected, but the virus may be spread
to humans and other animals such as horses. There is no human to
human spread of WNV.
An estimated that 80% of people infected by West Nile virus never
experience symptoms. Most of the remaining 20% will experience relatively mild
illness, with symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pains, a skin rash, swollen lymph nodes, nausea and vomiting.
Less than one percent (approximately one of every
150 people) infected with WNV become seriously ill.
Older persons are at an increased risk of severe illness from WNV.
Severe symptoms include a sudden onset of a high fever, neck stiffness,
extreme muscle weakness, tremors, convulsions, or disorientation.
Hospitalization and death may occur as a result of serious illness from
WNV.
There is no specific
treatment or vaccine for humans infected with WNV but physicians treat
patients to minimize symptoms of the infection. If you think you may
have been infected with WNV, contact your health care provider.
Last Revised: April 02, 2008
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