1. By Rebecca Terpstra March 23rd 2018 Period B class
West Nile Virus
By Rebecca Terpstra March 23rd 2018
Period B class

2. Spread by mosquitos Once the virus is in the bloodstream it multiplies and spreads It is spread through mosquito bites (blood) It does not usually cause death although it could cause some serious long-term affects

3. What causes west Nile virus?
A mosquito bites an infected bird than it gets infected
A bite from an infected mosquito can cause West Nile virus 
An infected mosquito can spread West Nile to humans and other animals (basically anything it bites)

4. How is West Nile virus spread?
The bite of a mosquito who has fed on an infected bird
And in rare cases
Blood transfusion
Organ and or tissue transplants
Mothers to unborn babies
Breast milk

5. Who is most affected by West Nile virus?
People over the age of 50
People with diseases such as:
  Cancer
Diabetes
Alcoholism
Heart disease
Who need medical treatment that may weaken their immune systems

6. History of West Nile virus
It was first isolated in a woman in the West Nile district of Uganda in 1937
1957 outbreak amongst elderly patients in Isreal
Since than the virus has been spread all over the world
It is detected in animals birds and mosquitos

7. Symptoms Most people (70%-80%) have no symptoms
But some symptoms include
Fever 
Headache
Body ache
Mild rash
Swollen lymph glands

8. -Loss of consciousness
More symptoms
Rapid onset of severe headache
High fever
Stiff neck
Nausea and/or vomiting
Difficulty swallowing
Drowsiness
-Confusion
-Loss of consciousness
-Lack of coordination
-Muscle weakness
-paralysis

9. How does West Nile virus affect the body?
Can target the spinal cord which could lead to flaccid paralysis
Flaccid paralysis is severe muscle weakness
Causes a decrease in muscle tone and tendon reflexes
The paralysis gives people sense of feeling without movement
Affects the anterior horn cells of the spinal cord and motor axon.
It appears that although the virus is affecting the motor neurons its not affecting the sensing neurons 

10. How does West Nile virus affect your daily life?
You might not be able to cook for yourself
Your spinal cord might be immobile
You might severe headaches
You might have a stiff neck
Forgetfulness
How does West Nile virus affect your daily life?

11. Long-term effects Long term muscle weakness or paralysis Tiredness
Headache
Confusion 
Depression
Problems with concentration
Memory loss
Difficulty doing everyday things such as cooking

12. Cures and treatments for West Nile virus
Patients are treated for symptoms not the actual virus
You are most likely to get better in a few day but worse cases may take weeks or months

13. How do you protect yourself against West Nile virus?
Prevent mosquito bites
Cover exposed skin 
Wear loose light clothing that covers all or most of skin
Use insect repellent
Try not to let water sit in pools or puddles where mosquitos can breed

14. Google images for all images
Work Cited
kidshealth.org/en/parents/west-nile.html
enhs.umn.edu/current/5103_spring2003/westnilevirus/disease.html
Google images for all images