West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus

What are the first things you think about when you here West Nile Virus? Mosquitoes, somebody died due to W.N.V., I will not every get it. Well what if someone you knew did get it or if you got it. Scary thought?

Once you've contracted the W.N.V., the incubation period is 2 to 15 days before you fell any symptoms; if any at all. Researchers haven't found any evidence that it will cause permanent health effects. At this time there is no vaccine for it yet; though several companies are working on it. At this time researchers don't think you can get it twice, cause it is a virus and you will always carry the antibodies for it.

If you contract W.N.V. you have 3 outcomes. Asymptomatic, which is no symptoms; 4 out of 5 people infected will have no symptoms and usually not even know they have it. W.N. Fever, which 20% of infected will get. The symptoms are fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, skin rash, and swollen lymph glands. These symptoms could last a few days or up to several weeks and can usually be treated with over the counter medication. W.N. Severe Disease or Neuroinvasive Disease, which is estimated that 1 in every 150 infected will get. Symptoms are high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, and paralysis. Hospitalization is usually required.

In July 2005 my mom was infected with W.N.V. It started with her feeling bad, and then she got a rash that looked like someone took a red magic marker and drew dots all over her. The rash didn't itch and she still hadn't run any fever yet. The rash went away and that when the fever started and others symptoms like body aches, muscle weakness, got worse. Then she started having problems with her leg; it just simply wouldn't work. If she tried to get up and walk she would have to drag her leg. After several weeks her fever broke and her leg got better but even then for several weeks more she was very tired and weak. She still has periods where she will fill better, but then have a relapses, running low-grade fever and feeling bad. With each relapse, the symptoms are not as bad as the one before and the time spans are getting further apart.

As of now in 2005, 2,485 cases have been reported in the U.S.; with 144 of those being in Texas. 86 deaths due to W.N.V. have been recorded in the U.S. in 2005 with 10 of those being in Texas. Think about all of this the next time your outside and see a mosquito.

Outline

I. West Nile Virus

A. Incubation Period in humans

1) 2 to 15

B. Doesn't appear cause permanent damage

C. No vaccine co. working on it

D. Don't think you can get it twice

II. West Nile Virus types.

A. Asymptomatic (no symptoms)