Warning Indications and Cures For West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus infections are transmitted via infected mosquito that is already carrying the virus, but it is also essential to note that not all mosquitoes carry this virus. In many parts of the U.S., the risk of being bitten by West Nile Virus is extremely high during the summer months. But in some parts of the country, it can be an all year long risk.

Symptoms of West Nile Virus:

Most individuals, including children, infected with West Nile Virus do not elicit any indications, or at times may experience mild cases of headache and fever. While some infected may develop a deadly illness that implicates brain inflammation. The minor symptoms of this virus tend to disappear without any medication. However, the serious symptoms like fever, confusion, sudden weakness, intense headache, rush to the physician immediately.

Children are at an elevated risk for developing the infection of West Nile virus when they come in contact with the infected mosquitoes. Thus, defend yourself and your kids from mosquitoes by using mosquito repellents or by wearing adequate amount clothing to cover the amount of exposed skin.

In most cases, individuals (including children) infected with the West Nile do not show any indications. However. An estimated 20 % of infected children experience mild symptoms like follows:

The mild symptoms of West Nile Virus include:

FeverBackachesHeadachesBody painFatigue or tirednessAt times- pain in the eyes,skin rashes, inflammation of the lymph glands.

However, less that one percent of the infected individuals, may come across severe neurological infection by the West Nile Virus. This infection may trigger meningitis, poliomyelitis or acute flaccid paralysis which causes sudden weakness in the arms, legs and respiratory muscles.

The severe symptoms of West Nile Virus include:

Disorientation or confusionStiffness of the neckHigh feverExtreme headacheJerking of tremors and musclesStupor or comaConvulsions or seizuresPainLack of coordinationPartial paralysis or sudden weakness of muscles

The mild symptoms of West Nile Virus may vanish off after some days. However, the signs of encephalitis or meningitis may take many weeks to cure, while some neurological health conditions like paralysis and muscle weakness may become permanent.

Treatment of West Nile Virus:

Most people infected with West Nile Virus, tend to recover without any medical care. Minor headaches and muscle aches can be cured with non-prescription painkillers.It is essential to consult a physician before giving aspirin to kids or adolescents, especially if your child is recovering from chicken pox or flu- like symptoms. This is because taking aspirin can trigger Reye's syndrome, though uncommon but can prove deadly.There is no direct cure for encephalitis and meningitis. However, helpful therapies including intravenous administration of medications and fluids may be required to prevent other sorts of infection.

However, prevention is always better that feeling sorry in the future. One of the best ways for averting mosquito borne infections like West Nile Virus is by avoiding the contact of mosquitoes and by eradicating their breeding grounds.

Matt Simpson is a nutritionist and an avid blogger too. He likes to keep a tab on the new researches and studies on promoting healthier lifestyle all over the world. Matt then makes it a point to share the important health tips with his readers and contribute his little bit to make Planet Earth a better place to live.