As this eMedTV article explains, the West Nile virus is transmitted through mosquito bites and is commonly found in Africa, West Asia, and the Middle East. This Web page provides an in-depth look at the spread of West Nile virus in the United States.
As this eMedTV article explains, West Nile encephalitis occurs when the West Nile virus crosses from the blood into the brain and causes inflammation. This page also explains how often this potentially serious condition occurs.
In most human cases, West Nile virus is caused by being bitten by an infected mosquito. This eMedTV segment describes the cause of West Nile virus. This page also lists some rare forms of West Nile virus transmission, including blood transfusions.
In most cases, West Nile virus transmission occurs from the bite of an infected mosquito. This part of the eMedTV library provides an overview of the different ways a person can become infected with the West Nile virus.
West Nile virus symptoms can include fever, vomiting, swollen lymph glands, and a skin rash. This eMedTV Web page lists the mild and severe symptoms of this type of infection and explains that 80 percent of infected people have no symptoms at all.
As this eMedTV article explains, West Nile virus testing can involve answering questions about your symptoms, having a physical, and taking certain tests (such as a blood test). This page provides information about testing for West Nile virus.
Since there is no cure for West Nile virus, treatment mainly consists of getting rest and plenty of fluids. This eMedTV article covers West Nile virus treatment, including information on treating the more severe forms of West Nile virus infection.
Once a person has become infected with West Nile virus, there is only one cure: time. This eMedTV segment explains how there is currently no medicinal West Nile virus cure. This page also talks about the possibility of a vaccine.
As this eMedTV article explains, one of the best methods for West Nile virus prevention is to avoid mosquito bites. This page of the Web site offers suggestions on how to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites.
There is currently no vaccine available to protect humans from the West Nile virus. This page on the eMedTV site explains why the West Nile vaccine for horses cannot be used for humans. This page also talks about the possibility of a human vaccine.
While unlikely, it is possible for a pregnant woman to transmit West Nile virus to her baby. This eMedTV article discusses West Nile virus and pregnancy, including information on how to prevent West Nile virus by avoiding mosquito bites.
While unlikely, it is possible to transmit the West Nile virus through breastfeeding. This eMedTV resource provides information about the West Nile virus and breastfeeding, including detailed information on prevention strategies.
Cases of West Nile virus in children and infants under 1 year old are rare. The information in this part of the eMedTV library provides a brief overview of West Nile virus in children and provides statistics on how often infection occurs.
As this eMedTV article explains, there are no reliable West Nile statistics available for the number of cases that occur worldwide; however, in 2003, 9,862 human cases were reported in the United States. This page provides more West Nile statistics.
Over the past few years, many dead birds have been identified as having West Nile virus. This eMedTV Web page provides information about the handling, disposal, and consumption of dead birds that may have the West Nile virus.
| Referring Pages | Articles |
