How is WNV infection treated? There is no specific treatment of WNV infection. In cases with milder symptoms, people experience symptoms such as fever and aches that pass on their own, although illness may last weeks to months even in healthy persons. In more severe cases, people usually need to go to the hospital where they can receive supportive treatment including intravenous fluids, help with breathing, and nursing care. What is the risk for getting sick from WNV? People over 50 at higher risk to get severe illness People over the age of 50 are more – likely to develop serious symptoms of WNV if they do get sick and should take special care to avoid mosquito bites. at risk The more time you are outdoors, the more likely it is Being outside means you’re – you could be bitten by an infected mosquito. Pay attention to avoiding mosquito bites if you spend a lot to time outside, whether working or playing. Risk through medical procedures is very low All donated blood is checked for WNV – before being used. The risk of getting WNV through blood transfusions and organ transplants is very small, and should not prevent people who need surgery from having it. If you have concerns, talk to your doctor. Pregnancy and nursing do not increase risk of becoming infected with WNV The risk that – WNV may present to a fetus or an infant infected through breast milk is still being evaluated. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have concerns. What can I do to prevent WNV? The easiest and best way to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites: When you are outdoors, use insect repellents containing DEET. Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours. Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out. Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep and on children’s wading pools empty their sides when they being used. aren’t
How is WNV infection treated? There is no specific treatment of WNV infection. In cases with milder symptoms, people experience symptoms such as fever and aches that pass on their own, although illness may last weeks to months even in healthy persons. In more severe cases, people usually need to go to the hospital where they can receive supportive treatment including intravenous fluids, help with breathing, and nursing care. What is the risk for getting sick from WNV? People over 50 at higher risk to get severe illness – People over the age of 50 are more likely to develop serious symptoms of WNV if they do get sick and should take special care to avoid mosquito bites. Being outside means you’re at risk – The more time you are outdoors, the more likely it is you could be bitten by an infected mosquito. Pay attention to avoiding mosquito bites if you spend a lot to time outside, whether working or playing. Risk through medical procedures is very low – All donated blood is checked for WNV before being used. The risk of getting WNV through blood transfusions and organ transplants is very small, and should not prevent people who need surgery from having it. If you have concerns, talk to your doctor. Pregnancy and nursing do not increase risk of becoming infected with WNV – The risk that WNV may present to a fetus or an infant infected through breast milk is still being evaluated. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have concerns. What can I do to prevent WNV? The easiest and best way to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites: When you are outdoors, use insect repellents containing DEET. Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours. Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out. Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren’t being used.
West_Nile_Virus_Fact_Sheet_Template.docx