What is West Nile Virus and how can I avoid getting sick?

Every summer we go on vacation and there are a lot of mosquitoes. What is West Nile Virus and how can I avoid getting sick?

West Nile Virus is a virus that can cause mild illness or a serious illness. The virus is carried by mosquitoes and people usually get the virus when a mosquito carrying the virus bites them. Mosquitoes get West Nile Virus by feeding from infected birds. The virus is not spread to people by birds or animals. Only a few species of mosquitoes carry the virus. Culex tarsalis, is the species of mosquito most likely to give the virus to humans. In Alberta, the risk of getting sick from West Nile Virus is low.

Most people who are infected with West Nile Virus do not know they have the virus because they have mild or no symptoms. Symptoms can include fever, headache, aching to the body, nausea/vomiting, swollen glands, and sometimes a rash. Symptoms can occur between 2 and 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and can last for 3-6 days. A severe form of the infection is called West Nile Neurologic Syndrome and affects the brain and spinal cord. The illness can include high fever, severe headache and neck pain, confusion, muscle weakness/paralysis, convulsions and coma. Severe illness is rare and can be fatal. It can affect people of any age but the risk increases with age and chronic medical problems.

There is no specific treatment for West Nile Virus. Prevention is the best protection by taking a few basic steps to avoid contact with mosquitoes. You can still enjoy being outdoors. Mosquitoes are usually the most active at dawn, dusk and early evening. Try to avoid being outside or wear long sleeved shirts and a hat during these times. Apply mosquito repellents containing DEET to exposed skin and clothing when you are outdoors. Ask your health care provider what strength of DEET is best for you. Do not use DEET on children less than 6 months and only products with 10 % DEET should be used on children aged 2-12 years of age. DEET containing products should be applied to children 3 times a day avoiding the face and hands. Use mosquito netting for infants in carriers. Mosquito eggs are laid in shallow pools of warm, sunny standing water and should be avoided to prevent mosquito bites. Make sure there are no holes in screens for open windows and doors.

For more information about West Nile Virus, or for available programs and services, contact Health Link Alberta where nurses are available 24-7 to provide health advice and information. Call 1-866-408-LINK (5465) or 780-408-LINK (Edmonton area) or 403-943-LINK (Calgary area).