![West Nile Virus: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention [Updated: July 1, 2020]](/Sites/69A1918B-7514-42EB-B4AE-1289EC674CC7/images/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/west-nile-virus-and-its-symptoms.png?v=224520240645182185850)
The West Nile virus is among the most commonly spread infections in people passed through mosquito bites. In North America, occurrences of West Nile virus (WNV) is primarily observed during summer through fall. In southern climates that experience milder temperatures, West Nile virus can be spread year-round.
The cases of WNV have been reported throughout the central United States. In Orange County alone, total 11 cases of West Nile virus were reported in 2018, which also included one death by the illness. In 2019 also, total 7 cases were reported that included one death. Thankfully, no new cases of the West Nile fever or infection have been reported this year up until now. However, with summer already here, it's better to be alert so that you and your family can remain safe. A cause of concern is that this year's mosquito count is nearly five times higher than last year's and double the county's five-year average, according to a news release from the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District. This increases the risk of the West Nile Virus infection in the community.
Source: Orange County Mosquito & Vector Control District
Usually, West Nile virus gets transmitted to humans and animals through infected mosquitoes. You can’t acquire it from chance interaction with an infected person or animal. Few, extremely rare cases of West Nile virus have been reported to transmit through other channels, including organ replacement, blood transfusion, mother to infant during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and virus exposure in a lab.
The majority of West Nile virus infections occur during hot weather conditions when mosquitoes are most active. The infection is passed on to the mosquitoes when they feed on infected birds. See below for the CDC’s explanation of the West Nile virus transmission cycle.
Image Source: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
The incubation period – the length of time between when an infected mosquito bites you and when the first signs and symptoms of the illness would appear – for the West Nile virus ranges between 2 to 14 days. Only about 8 out of 10 people infected with WNV will not show any symptoms. The remaining 20% would show milder flu-like symptoms like fever, headache, joint pains, diarrhea, or rash.
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However, in rare cases (only in 1 out of 150 cases), people infected with the West Nile virus would show severe, occasionally fatal, ailment including but not limited to:
People who generally stay outdoors for long durations are at maximum risk of infection. The mosquitoes that spread West Nile virus are predominantly active at dawn and dusk, so remaining outdoors during those periods elevates the risk of infection.
People aged 50 and above are more prone to develop the West Nile disease symptoms, but it's not evident whether they are especially susceptible to infection. In fact, contrary to the infection figures in 2018, where out of the total 11 cases, 6 belonged to age group 50 and above, 4 out of the total 7 cases of the West Nile Virus infection were reported in people of age group 18-49 in 2019.
Infants and pregnant women are not at greater risk of West Nile virus infection.
Regardless of your infection, the possibility of developing a severe illness due to West Nile virus is minimal because only less than 1 percent of the infected population becomes severely ill. Moreover, most individuals who do get sick fully recover. The following puts you at possible risk of developing a severe or life-threating infection:
Health care providers will send your blood sample for lab tests if you are suspected to have a West Nile virus infection.
There is no definite treatment for WNV disease; however clinical management is supportive. Mild signs of West Nile fever typically resolve on their own. For acute infection, symptoms can include severe headaches, a stiff neck, bafflement or confusion that can be treated by seeking prompt medical attention. Usually, a severe infection requires hospitalization.
Visit your family doctor, or an urgent care clinic near you if you experience any symptoms of the West Nile virus.
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Dr. Bunten is originally from Huntington Beach, CA. He attended high school in Tokyo, Japan, went to college at UC San Diego and then to medical school in the Midwest. He returned home to California for residency training in Family Medicine at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. His immediate family all reside in Huntington Beach.
Dr Fishbein has been in the practice of family medicine for over 35 years in Irvine. He received his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University, medical degree from Chicago Medical School, and completed his family medicine residency at Memorial Hospital of Long Beach.
Dr. Kim is the Medical Director of Family Care Centers, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Hoag Hospital, and a recipient of the Physicians of Excellence award from the Orange County Medical Association. He is Board Certified in Family Medicine, and has been practicing in our community for over 20 years.
Dr. Memon is a board certified Family Medicine physician and recently completed her fellowship in Geriatrics at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center. She attended Saint George’s University, School of Medicine and completed her residency at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Her interest in medicine started at an early age and has since evolved into a passionate career.
Dr. Gina Nguyen obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Irvine where she graduated Suma Cum Laude. She went to USC Keck School of Medicine, and returned to UC Irvine for a Family Medicine Residency. Since 2005, she worked at Kaiser Permanente, VNCOC, and Family Care Center Urgent Care.
Dr. Williams is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. He is a native to Orange County and returned home after completing his medical degree at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. After completing his residency in family practice he successfully completed a fellowship in sports medicine.
Dr. Hye Lee is a board-certified Family Practice Physician, affiliated with the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice.She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Riverside and earned her medical degree from Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center. Afterward, she did her internship at Downey Regional Medical Center in California and has been a primary care physician since 2005.
Dr. Coyne is a board certified family practice physician and a California native. He completed his undergraduate degree at UCLA before earning his medical degree at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Dr Coyne spent 6 years in the US Air Force at Andrews and Luke Air Force bases, eventually separating as a Major. He enjoys working with patients of all ages.”
Dr. Jay Friehling is a Family Practice physician who has worked in Orange County since 1981. Born in Florida, he received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and then earned a Medical Degree at the New York Medical College.” His healthcare interests include Diabetes, Geriatric Care, and Hospice Care.
Dr. Jennifer Shoquist is board certified in Family Medicine. Her special interest is woman’s health and her practice accepts patients from 6 years old to seniors. Dr. Shoquist received her M.D. degree at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston in Houston, Texas, and did her residency with Memorial Family Practice at memorial Southwest Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Tom is a board certified family medicine physician and native Californian. He received his bachelors of science with great distinction in biochemistry and honors in chemistry. Dr. Tom was awarded a Regents Scholarship to attend medical school at UC Irvine.
Dr. Yan attended Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Family Practice residency at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California. She joined Family Care Center in 2001. She chose Family Practice because she enjoys working with a wide variety of people and because it provides a unique opportunity for continuing care.
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