West Nile Virus Is on the Rise: How to Protect Yourself

A growing number of West Nile virus-carrying mosquitoes have been detected earlier than usual this year in at least 23 states. Cases are spreading rapidly, particularly across California, Georgia, Indiana and New York.

The virus is off to its earliest start in the United States in the last 20 years, and it can be fatal if not treated. In rare cases, West Nile virus can also lead to serious neurologic illnesses such as encephalitis or meningitis. If you experience any symptoms of West Nile Virus, it’s crucial to talk to your healthcare provider right away or seek urgent medical care at your closest emergency room or urgent care clinic.

Keep reading to learn about West Nile virus symptoms and ways to protect yourself.

What Is West Nile Virus?

West Nile virus is described by the CDC as “the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States.” Although it’s rare, you can get West Nile virus from another person through a blood transfusion or organ donation. It can also be passed from mothers to their babies during pregnancy.

Because the West Nile virus is spread by mosquitoes, you’re more at risk if you spend a lot of time outdoors during the warmer months, particularly in wooded areas around dawn and dusk. However, contrary to popular belief, you can’t get West Nile virus from live or dead birds.

Most people with West Nile virus won’t experience any symptoms. But if you do, your symptoms may include:

• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headache
• Lack of appetite
• Muscle aches and stomach pain
• Rash
• Sore throat
• Vomiting
• Weakness

Since one in 150 people with West Nile virus develops a neurologic disease from the infection, such as meningitis or encephalitis, you should also watch out for more serious symptoms like:

• Confusion
• Convulsions
• Loss of vision
• Loss of muscle control
• Numbness
• Stiff neck
• Tremors

Talk to your healthcare provider right away or seek urgent medical care if you’re experiencing any symptoms.

Know How to Protect Yourself From West Nile Virus

Currently, there are no vaccines to prevent West Nile virus, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself:

• Avoid scented products: Mosquitoes are attracted to sweat, perfumes, colognes and scented soaps and lotions.
• Be mindful of the time: Mosquitoes can be more active at dawn and dusk, late spring through early fall. If your area is experiencing an influx of mosquitoes, plan your time outside accordingly.
• Consider your clothes: If it's not too hot, wear pants, long socks, a long-sleeve shirt and a hat while outside. You might also consider treating your clothes with permethrin spray, which you can find at any store that sells camping equipment. Some retailers even sell pre-treated clothes. However, avoid spraying permethrin directly on your skin, as it can cause irritation.
• Remove standing water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Remove standing water from your yard, including in flowerpots, fire pits, baby pools or bird baths that collect and hold rainwater. If you have a pool, clean it regularly.
• Turn on a fan: If you’re sitting outside, a small, battery-operated fan may be all you need to keep mosquitoes at bay since they aren’t strong enough to fly in a fan’s cross breeze.
• Use mosquito netting: You can use mosquito netting while sleeping outside or drape it over a stroller to protect small children.
• Wear insect repellent: Insect repellent with DEET will provide the best defense against mosquitoes.

Find Medical Help When You Need It

At AdventHealth, it’s our goal to help you feel healthy and whole at every age and life stage. If you have questions about viruses that are reported in the news or experience concerning symptoms that could be related to West Nile virus, we’re ready to help at an AdventHealth location near you.

We make it easy to be seen by a provider promptly with convenient online scheduling for urgent care and emergency room visits. Just let us know when you’re on your way, and we’ll be waiting for you.