JUST WHAT IS THIS WEST NILE VIRUS?

By: GARY A WEINBERGER MD 

It is all over the news right now—the “West Nile Virus!”  Just what is this virus, and is it really something to worry about?

The virus that causes West Nile Encephalitis first appeared in the United States in New York.  Cases of the virus occur in many areas of the country now, and most recently, the virus arrived in Kentucky.

This virus belongs to a particular group of viruses known as arboviruses.  These viruses infect humans and certain animals, such as horses.  However, the West Nile virus is transmitted only through mosquito bites.  An infected person cannot directly infect another person!

Since mosquitoes are the cause for contamination with the virus,  the disease is most likely to appear at this time of the year—late summer and early autumn.

The West Nile virus most often causes only fever, headache, and vomiting.  It usually is not a serious illness.  However, in isolated cases, it may cause joint problems, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord).

The diagnosis of this virus is very difficult and requires testing of the spinal fluid.  As a result, undiagnosed cases probably occur.

However, even if a doctor knows that a patient has the West Nile virus, there is no required treatment.  Treating the symptoms is all that can be done, as with most other viral illnesses.

The best response to this new viral illness is prevention.  Avoid outdoor activities during the evening hours when mosquitoes are active or wear insect repellent.

Also, discourage the reproduction of mosquitoes by eliminating any standing bodies of water near the home, such as puddles, poorly drained ditches, clogged rain gutters, and standing buckets.

If a patient exhibits the cluster of symptoms previously described and is concerned that he or she may have an illness such as the West Nile virus, then he or she should consult with a physician.