West Nile Virus Signs and Symptoms of Disease - Tooele County Health Department

West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito borne illness. It has been found in Africa, Asia, and some other countries for decades. It didn't make an appearance in the United States until 1999.

In order to get the virus, the person must be bitten by an infected mosquito. You cannot get WNV through droplets in the air. It is not spread by coughing, sneezing, or other human to human contact. Birds are often bitten by a mosquito infected with WNV. If you find a dead bird on your property, especially a member of the Crow family, it should be removed.

If infected with the virus, most people show no signs or symptoms, and would not even know they have been infected. A few people will have flu-like symptoms which mimic influenza.

Signs and Symptoms of WNV:

fever

Since the symptoms of WNV mimic the symptoms of many other illnesses, only your health care provider can determine if you are really infected. A simple blood test can determine if you have WNV.

headache

upset stomach

muscle weakness

confusion, disorientation

mild skin rash (uncommon)

fatigue
swelling at the bite site

Populations most at risk of WNV are those who live in areas where the virus is circulating in nature. In the northern states, this occurs during the summer months. In the south, infections may occur year around (because of weather conditions). Here in the the west, the risk of contracting the virus is exceptionally low.

Although rare, a low percentage of people could develop a more serious form of WNV.

this rare disease is called neuroinvasive disease and includes encephalitis or meningitis or even West Nile poliomjyelitis
It is estimated less than 1 in 150 persons who do become infected with WNV may develop this more serious disease
those most at risk of this complication are those over 50 who have a compromised immune system because of other chronic illness

Tooele County Health Department Division of Environmental Health
151 North Main Street • Tooele Utah • 84074
(435) 277 - 2440 • Fax (435) 277-2444