About West Nile
Virus
Transmission of West Nile Virus
Symptoms of West Nile Virus
Prevention of West Nile Virus
Testing and Treating West Nile Virus
in Humans
West
Nile Virus and Birds
West Nile Virus and Dogs and Cats
West Nile Virus and Horses
Map of Progression of West Nile Virus Across
the United States
What You Can do to Eliminate Mosquitoes
Testing and
Treating West Nile
Virus in Humans
Q. I think I have symptoms of
West Nile Virus. What should I do?
A. Contact your health care
provider if you have concerns about your
health. If you or your family members
develop symptoms such as high fever,
confusion, muscle weakness, and severe
headaches, you should see your doctor
immediately.
Q. How do health care providers
test for West Nile Virus?
A. Your physician will first take
a medical history to assess your risk for
West Nile Virus. People who live in or
traveled to areas where West Nile Virus
activity has been identified are at risk
of getting West Nile Encephalitis; persons
older than 50 years of age have the
highest risk of severe disease. If you are
determined to be at high risk and have
symptoms of West Nile Encephalitis, your
provider will draw a blood sample and send
it to a commercial or public health
laboratory for confirmation.
Q. How is West Nile
Encephalitis treated?
A. There is no specific therapy.
In more severe cases, intensive supportive
therapy is indicated, often involving
hospitalization, intravenous fluids,
airway management, respiratory support
(ventilator), prevention of secondary
infections (pneumonia, urinary tract,
etc.), and good nursing care.
(Information on this
page obtained from the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention)
For West Nile Virus
information updates call toll free:
877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-273)
WestNile.ca.gov
Centers for Disease Control information on
West Nile Virus
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