By: Smarika Rijal and GaEun Kim West Nile Virus (WNV) By: Smarika Rijal and GaEun Kim

Summary infectious virus disease carried by mosquitoes first identified in 1837 in Uganda and later introduced in the US in 1999 mild - no symptoms/signs (fever, headaches, body aches, skin rash, swollen lymph glands) lasts for a short time (couple days or weeks) life-threatening if the virus enters the brain could cause encephalitis and meningitis old people and people with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable No specific vaccines or treatment; recommended to avoid mosquito bites to prevent the virus

Causes of WNV caused when a person is bitten by a mosquito that has bitten an infected bird cases are most common during fall, and least common during winter when the cold temperatures cause the mosquitos to die off most do not know that they are infected risk factors: Weakened immune system (HIV/AIDS, organ transplant, recent chemotherapy) Older or very young age pregnancy other ways the infection can spread: organ transplant, blood transfusions, babies drinking milk from infected mothers

Signs & Symptoms -Symptoms last for 3~6 days, or up to a month -Severe forms are called West Nile encephalitis (brain inflammation) or meningitis (inflammation of tissues covering brain & spinal cord) depending on which body part is affected. Signs vomiting, diarrhea Rash Swollen lymph nodes fever ------------------------------------------------------------ Confusion and inability to remember loss of consciousness and coma muscle weakness weakness in only one arm and legs Symptoms Nausea abdominal pain headache sore throat stiff neck

Treatment & Cures there are no antibiotics because WNV is not caused by bacterias supportive care may reduce complications in severe forms of this illness over the counter pain relief for decreasing pain, fever, and some symptoms severe forms need hospitalization with treatments of intravenous fluids, nursing care, and pain medication people with milder symptoms can usually recover on their own, with the symptoms lasting for couple of weeks

links https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/westnilevirus.html https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007186.htm http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/faq/genQuestions.html