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- DictionaryWest Nile vi·rus/west ˈnīl ˌvīrəs/
noun
- 1. a flavivirus originally isolated in eastern Africa, transmitted by mosquitoes, usually between birds, but sometimes causing epidemics of disease (typically fever or encephalitis) in humans and horses: "these pools can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus"
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Humans get West Nile from the bite of an infected mosquito. Usually, the West Nile virus causes mild, flu-like symptoms. The virus can cause life-threatening illnesses, such as encephalitis, meningitis, or meningoencephalitis. There is no vaccine available to prevent West Nile virus.
Healthcare providers diagnose West Nile virus infection based on: Signs and symptoms; History of possible exposure to mosquitoes that can carry West Nile virus; Laboratory testing of blood or spinal fluid; Your healthcare provider can order tests to look for West Nile virus infection or other infections that can cause similar symptoms.
Aug 8, 2023 · The West Nile virus is an enveloped, single-stranded RNA arbovirus that can cause disease in humans. These range from the asymptomatic infected patient to fever and malaise to florid neurological deficits secondary to encephalitis and neuroinvasive disease.
Jul 3, 2023 · "West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne illness in the U.S.," says Dr. Bobbi Pritt, director of the Clinical Parasitology Laboratory at Mayo Clinic. It's a flavivirus —a specific type of RNA virus that can infect humans, birds and horses. "West Nile virus is transmitted predominantly through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Apr 11, 2024 · West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne illness that can cause flulike symptoms. Most people recover, but in rare cases a West Nile virus infection can be life-threatening. West Nile virus is found worldwide, including in the U.S., and is most commonly spread by the Culex species of mosquito. Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus were first ...
What Is West Nile Virus? West Nile virus. infection can cause serious disease. WNV is established as a seasonal epidemic in North America that flares up in the summer and continues into the fall. This fact sheet contains important information that can help you recognize and prevent West Nile virus. What Can I Do to Prevent WNV?
West Nile virus (WNV) is a member of the flavivirus family, which includes other mosquito-borne viruses such dengue and Zika. WNV emerged for the first time in the Western Hemisphere in New York City in 1999 and has since spread across the United States. It is now the most common arthropod-borne virus found in the U.S.
