West Nile Disease: Know the Signs and Symptoms
Mosquito bites happen everywhere – in your backyard; in shaded, humid places such as tall grass; and particularly in areas with stagnant water. Since these insects need access to skin to feed, exposed, unprotected areas of the body such as the arms, legs, ankles and face are common areas where the bites occur.
“When a mosquito bite occurs, a puffy, reddish bump will typically occur within a few minutes,” said Christine Bingman, DNP, RN, CIC, System Director of Infection Prevention for Penn Highlands Healthcare. “Aside from some itching, these bites are usually harmless; however, mosquito bites always present the threat of West Nile Disease.”
West Nile Disease is caused by bites from infected mosquitoes and symptoms usually start two to six days after being bitten. The virus can also be transmitted by organ transplantation, blood transfusions and mother-to-baby transmission. Only about 20% of individuals infected with West Nile Disease will develop symptoms.
How can you prevent mosquito bites?
- Use Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellent
- Wear long, loose-fitting shirts and pants
- Avoid outdoor dusk and dawn activities
What are the symptoms of West Nile Disease?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms vary and may take longer to start, especially for people with a weakened immune system. Symptoms may present as a mild illness with flu-like symptoms or severe illness that affects the central nervous system or results in hospitalization or death. Symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Myalgia
- Arthralgia
- Transient maculopapular rash
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Meningitis
- Encephalitis
- Acute flaccid myelitis
How is West Nile Disease diagnosed?
If a person suspects they may have been bitten by a mosquito infected with West Nile Disease and have symptoms, they should seek medical attention. A provider will assess whether the symptoms are clinically consistent with West Nile Disease and consider other illnesses that may cause similar symptoms. Diagnostic testing includes WNV-specific antibody and polymerase chain reaction testing.
What is the treatment?
There is no specific treatment for West Nile Disease, but healthcare providers will prescribe supportive symptom therapy.
If you have an insect bite, minor illness or injury that is non-life threatening but requires medical attention, contact your family medicine physician. If you do not have a physician, Penn Highlands Healthcare can help you find one near you, visit www.phhealthcare.org/findadoc. In addition, Penn Highlands Healthcare offers immediate primary care at QCare Walk-in Clinics throughout the Northwest and Central regions. For a location near you, visit www.phhealthcare.org/qcare.