- Fever
- Headache and body aches
- Nausea/vomiting
- Skin rash on chest, back and stomach (occasionally)
- Swollen lymph glands (occasionally)
More severe infection may be marked by:
- Headache
- High fever
- Stiff neck
- Stupor
- Disorientation
- Coma
- Tremors
- Convulsions
- Muscle weakness
- Visiion loss
- Numbness
- Paralysis
- Death (rare)
The incubation period is usually 3 to 14 days.
Mild WNV illness improves on its own and those affected do not necessarily need to seek medical attention for this infection. If you develop symptoms of severe WNV illness, such as unusually severe headaches or confusion, seek medical attention immediately. Severe WNV illness usually requires hospitalization. Pregnant women and nursing mothers are encouraged to talk to their doctor if they develop symptoms that could be WNV.
Diagnosis and Treatment of West Nile Virus
Your physician will first take a medical history to assess your risk for WNV. People who live in, or traveled to, areas where WNV activity has been identified are at risk of getting West Nile encephalitis; persons older than 50 years of age have the highest risk of severe disease. If you are determined to be at high risk and have symptoms of West Nile encephalitis, your provider will draw a blood sample and send it to a commercial or public health laboratory for confirmation.
There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus. In the more severe cases, hospitalization may be needed.
Sources: - U.S. Centers for Disease Prevention and Control: West Nile Virus
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Calming West Nile Fears
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