Is West Nile a virus or bacteria?

West Nile encephalitis is a mosquito-borne infection of the brain caused by West Nile virus, a close relative of St. Louis encephalitis virus.

Is West Nile curable?

Because it’s a viral condition, West Nile virus doesn’t have a cure. But you can take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, to relieve symptoms of West Nile virus such as muscle aches and headaches.

Why is there no vaccine for West Nile virus?

West Nile Virus One of the problems in developing a WNV vaccine is that the groups most at risk for severe disease are the elderly and the immunocompromised. Since safety and complete attenuation have been major concerns, the development of a live attenuated WNV vaccine has largely been discarded as a vaccine strategy.

Is West Nile virus a pandemic?

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.

Is West Nile virus fatal?

There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat WNV in people. Fortunately, most people infected with WNV do not feel sick. 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.

What are the odds of getting West Nile virus?

The odds of getting the most severe forms of West Nile disease are about one in 150. The overall death rate in severe disease is about 10%. That makes the overall odds of dying from a West Nile infection about one in 1,500.

What is the survival rate of West Nile virus?

Reports indicate that less than 1% of persons who are infected with the West Nile virus develop severe illness; of individuals who have severe illness secondary to the infection, 3-15% die.

Can West Nile affect you years later?

A year after their infection, the West Nile patients commonly reported fatigue, memory problems, weakness, headache, joint pain, and balance problems. Half reported poor physical health. Nearly one in four reported depression.

Can you donate blood if you’ve had West Nile virus?

If you have been diagnosed with West Nile virus by your doctor, you should not donate blood for 120 days. If you are diagnosed shortly after giving blood, you should tell your blood center. Donation centers try to ensure that donors who recently had West Nile virus do not give blood for 120 days.