Mosquitoes and West Nile Virus Symptoms and Protection Information

West Nile virus is an infection spread to humans by mosquitoes. Most people who get the virus do not get sick. Symptoms appear 3 to 14 days after the mosquitoes bite. They include fever, body aches, headache, and sometimes a skin rash. The fever is called West Nile fever and it is usually a mild illness.

West Nile virus may rarely affect the brain that can lead to long-lasting problem or even death. The older adults are most probably to have serious illness from the West Nile virus.

When do you call a doctor?
Call a doctor if you were exposed to mosquitoes in the past 2 weeks and you have any of these symptoms: fever, headache, stiff neck, and confusion; muscle weakness or loss of movement; mild fever, body aches, skin rash, or swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin for more than 2 or 3 days.

How can you avoid West Nile Virus?
Stay indoors at dawn, dusk, and in early evening wherein mosquitoes are most active at these times. Wear long-sleeves and thick pants. Use an insect repellent than contains DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. For best protection, apply and reapply per directions. Maybe, OFF lotion is good. Don't leave open containers of water near your home because mosquitoes can breed in standing water no matter how small amount it is.