West Nile Virus Johnson 7

The West Nile Virus, sometimes called "WNV" is caused by a viral infection. Transmisson: by vector- mosquitos Is zoonotic, it infects humans and can fatally effect horses. The virus starts with a bird infected with WNV and a mosquito feeds on the bird and the mosquito is now carrying the disease. The mosquito then feeds on either a horse or human and infects them. The background is a picture of the WNV pathogen.

Symptoms of WNV Minor Symptoms: Fever Head and body aches Skin rash Swollen lymph nodes Severe Symptoms: Stiff neck Sleepiness Disorientation Coma Tremors Convulsions Paralysis Progression:

Treatment and Prognosis The West Nile Virus has no cure because approximately 80% of people don't show any symptoms. But as for horses there's a vaccine, but not for humans. The treatment for a human with severe symptoms is providing the patient with intravenous fluids, pain medication, and nursing care. Prognosis:  The prognosis is excellent in individuals infected with West Nile Virus. However, those with symptomatic WNE may have a worse prognosis.

Prevention To Avoid Mosquito Bites: Use insect repellent Wear long-sleeved shirts Wear long pants

Geography of West Nile Virus The virus is most commonly found in Africa, Europe, Middle East, North America, and West Asia. The virus originated in the West Nile District of Uganda in 1937.

Outbreaks 1999-2001 in the United States there were 149 infections and 18 deaths. 2002 in the whole world there were 4,156 cases and 284 deaths.

Informative Resources Video: What is the West Nile Virus? Website: CDC Information on WNV

Reference List West Nile virus. (2018, February 22). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html West Nile virus. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.who.int/en/news- room/fact-sheets/detail/west-nile-virus West Nile Virus | WNV. (2018, May 16). Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/westnilevirus.html