When you think of mosquitoes, the first health concern you probably think of is malaria. However, these nasty little gnats can also threaten your wellbeing with West Nile infection. The worst thing about this virus is that it often doesn’t present with any signs or symptoms, or you may experience minor ones like a fever and mild headache, so it can be hard to tell if your wellness has been compromised. Still, as some people who become infected with West Nile virus develop a life-threatening illness that includes inflammation of the brain, it’s important to understand what you’re up against.
The main cause of the infection is through exposure to mosquitoes, especially during warmer weather. At this time of year, many Brits seek sunnier climes and head to these mosquito-risk areas, partly because the flights are much cheaper! If you’re off to areas of the world where mosquitoes are live and kicking, you can reduce your risk of getting West Nile infection, as well as malaria, by using mosquito repellent and wearing clothing that covers your skin. But what do you do if you do become infected?
The good thing about the mild signs and symptoms of a West Nile virus infection is that they generally go away on their own, so even if you’re unaware you’ve been infected you’ll probably be OK anyway, albeit none-the-wiser. However, if you are struck by severe signs and symptoms — such as a severe headache, fever, disorientation or sudden weakness — you will require immediate attention. Again, most people infected with the West Nile virus have no signs or symptoms, but about 20% of people develop a mild infection called West Nile fever. The common warning signs and symptoms of West Nile fever include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Back pain
- Skin rash (occasional)
- Swollen lymph glands (occasional)
- Eye pain (occasional)
The above symptoms – or lack thereof – cover the vast majority of those infected with West Nile virus. However, in less than 1% of infected people, the virus leads to a serious neurological infection. If this happens to you, your brain may become inflamed, which is a condition known as encephalitis, or the inflammation may occur in both your brain and its surrounding membranes, which is known as meningoencephalitis. Other outcomes of a serious infection include meningitis, in which the membranes surrounding your brain and spinal cord become infected and inflamed; West Nile poliomyelitis, in which your spinal cord becomes inflamed, and acute flaccid paralysis, in which your arms, legs or breathing muscles suddenly become weak.
You may be at risk for one of these diseases if you display any of the following signs and symptoms:
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Disorientation or confusion
- Stupor or coma
- Tremors or muscle jerking
- Lack of coordination
- Convulsions
- Pain
- Partial paralysis or sudden muscle weakness
As we’ve previously covered, if you develop West Nile fever, this will usually last for a few days and go away. However, the signs and symptoms of encephalitis or meningitis can linger for weeks, and certain neurological effects, such as muscle weakness, may be permanent. Therefore, if you do experience the signs or symptoms of a serious infection – such as severe headaches, stiff neck, disorientation or confusion – it’s vital that you seek medical attention right away. Generally, a serious West Nile virus infection requires hospitalisation, so if you’ve been in contact with mosquitoes and think you may be at risk, contact your doctor immediately.
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