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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffWest Nile virus is an infection transmitted by mosquitoes. If you become infected with West Nile virus, you may not experience any signs or symptoms or you may experience only minor ones, such as fever and mild headache. However, some people who become infected with West Nile virus develop a life-threatening illness that includes inflammation of the brain.
Mild signs and symptoms of a West Nile virus infection generally go away on their own. But severe signs and symptoms — such as a severe headache, disorientation or sudden weakness — require immediate attention.
Exposure to mosquitoes where West Nile virus exists increases your risk of getting West Nile virus. Protect yourself from mosquitoes by using mosquito repellent and wearing clothing that covers your skin to reduce your risk.
- West Nile virus: Clinical description. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/clinicians/clindesc.htm. Accessed May 19, 2010.
- West Nile virus: Epidemiologic information for clinicians. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/clinicians/epi.htm. Accessed May 19, 2010.
- West Nile virus: Fact sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/resources/WNV_factsheet.pdf. Accessed May 19, 2010.
- Lindsey NP, et al. Surveillance for human West Nile virus disease - United States, 1999-2008. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 2010;59:1.
- Questions and answers: Symptoms of West Nile virus. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/symptoms.htm. Accessed May 20, 2010.
- Petersen LR. Epidemiology and pathogenesis of West Nile virus infection. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 26, 2010.
- Petersen LR. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of West Nile virus infection. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 26, 2010.
- Petersen LR. Treatment and prevention of West Nile virus infection. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 26, 2010.
- Questions and answers: Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/prevention.htm. Accessed May 20, 2010.
- What you need to know about mosquito repellent. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/mosquitorepellent.htm. Accessed May 19, 2010.
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