How Common Is West Nile Encephalitis?
Even if symptoms do develop, they are usually mild. In fact, less than 1 percent of people who get bitten and become infected will develop West Nile virus
encephalitis. The chances of you developing West Nile encephalitis from a single mosquito bite are extremely small.
There are certain factors that increase a person's chance of developing West Nile encephalitis. Specific risk factors include:
- Living in areas where virus activity has been identified.
- Being over 50 years of age.
Preventing West Nile Encephalitis
The easiest and best way to avoid West Nile encephalitis is to prevent mosquito bites.
People typically develop symptoms between 3 and 14 days after they are bitten by an infected mosquito.
When a person becomes infected, his or her possible symptoms can vary. About 1 in 150 people infected with West Nile virus will develop West Nile
encephalitis symptoms. Symptoms of West Nile encephalitis can include:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Stupor
- Disorientation
- Coma
- Tremors
- Convulsions
- Muscle weakness
- Vision loss
- Numbness
- Paralysis.
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