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

2. 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

4. 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

6. 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

7. 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

9. links https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/westnilevirus.html