由 home-healthhaven 
Every spring, we start hearing warnings about West Nile virus, and occasionally, the news reports a death due to it. So, what exactly is this virus, and what should you know about it? Here’s some essential information to help protect you and your loved ones.
### What is West Nile Virus?
West Nile virus is a potentially serious disease, although most cases are mild. In North America, it tends to appear in the summer and fall.
### How Does West Nile Spread?
The most common way people get West Nile virus is through mosquito bites from mosquitoes that have bitten infected birds. These mosquitoes can also infect animals like cats and dogs. In rare cases, West Nile can spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, or from mother to child during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It doesn’t spread through casual contact like touching or kissing.
### What are the Symptoms?
About 80% of people with West Nile virus won’t have any symptoms. Up to 20% might experience flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headaches, body aches, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph nodes, or a rash on the back, stomach, and chest. These symptoms can last from a few days to several weeks. Around one in 150 people will have severe symptoms, including high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, confusion, muscle weakness, tremors, convulsions, vision loss, numbness, coma, or paralysis. These severe symptoms can be long-lasting and may cause permanent neurological damage.
Symptoms usually appear between three days and two weeks after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
### How Can I Prevent West Nile?
To protect yourself from West Nile virus, take steps to avoid mosquito bites. Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn, so stay indoors during these times, or wear long sleeves, long pants, and insect repellent. Use an insect repellent with an EPA-approved ingredient. Keep doors and windows screened, and eliminate standing water around your home, such as in birdbaths or buckets, as it attracts mosquitoes.
Community prevention programs are crucial too. If you find a dead bird that seems to have died naturally, report it to your local health department.
### What Should I Do If I Think I’m Infected?
You don’t always need medical treatment for West Nile virus because there’s no specific cure or medication for it, and symptoms usually resolve on their own. However, you should see a doctor if you have severe symptoms, which could require hospitalization.
### Who is Most at Risk?
Certain groups of people are more vulnerable to severe West Nile virus. Those over 50, infants, and individuals with weakened immune systems should take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites.