Does West Nile virus have a treatment?

Does West Nile virus have a treatment?

There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus (WNV) disease; clinical management is supportive. Patients with severe meningeal symptoms often require pain control for headaches and antiemetic therapy and rehydration for associated nausea and vomiting.

How much does it cost to treat West Nile virus?

Treating West Nile virus over the past 14 years has cost the U.S. somewhere between $678 million to $1.01 billion.

How long does it take for West Nile virus to go away?

Your body has to fight the infection on its own. In mild cases of West Nile, symptoms usually last for 3 to 6 days, and you can recover at home. If you get a more severe case of West Nile, symptoms can last for weeks or months, and you may need to stay in the hospital so you can get medicine to help you recover.

Which state was most affected by West Nile virus infections in 2012?

West Nile virus (WNV) first emerged in Texas, USA, in 2002 (1). Since then, the virus has become endemic, with ≈2,200 human cases reported in the state during 2002–2011 (2). In 2012, an unprecedented outbreak of WNV occurred in Texas; ≈1,900 cases were reported.

How serious is West Nile virus?

About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About 1 out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness. You can reduce your risk of WNV by using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent mosquito bites. Feeling feverish?

What can West Nile virus do to you?

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.

Is West Nile a concern for humans when infected?

Key facts. West Nile virus can cause a fatal neurological disease in humans. However, approximately 80% of people who are infected will not show any symptoms.