Tips from Scott & White Hospital - Round Rock: Dr. Ross Tobleman, MD: What are the signs and symptoms of the virus?

People infected with West Nile Virus can be affected in different ways. Most commonly people are asymptomatic, meaning they have no symptoms at all and the virus goes away on its own.

About 20 percent of people will have mild, flu-like symptoms (fever, muscle aches, diarrhea), which is actually considered West Nile Fever.

It’s only about one percent of those infected with the virus that have severe or life-threatening symptoms, which can include meningitis-like symptoms (stiff neck, severe headache, altered mental status). This form of the virus is called West Nile neuropathic disease or West Nile polio encephalitis, and could even cause paralysis.What treatments are available?

Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for [West Nile Virus]. “So, if you’re relatively healthy and you think that you were potentially exposed and you have muscle aches, then you should let it run its course. You should be feeling better in a week or two.

But if you are experiencing a severe headache, confusion or altered mental status, then it might be a good idea to seek medical attention.

How can WNV be prevented?To reduce your risk of contracting the virus you should use insecticides, make sure your screened doors and windows are in good, working order, limit outdoor activity between dawn and dusk and remove all standing water near your home.

It’s also important to follow the “four Ds,” according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.

  • DEET – use insect repellant containing this ingredient, as well as picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
  • Dress – make sure to wear long sleeves and long pants while outdoors.
  • Dusk and Dawn – avoid being outside between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Drain – remove and drain standing water from around your home. Mosquitoes can breed in bird baths, flowerpots or rain gutters.

And if you see any dead birds near your home, dispose of them properly by placing the bird in a trash bag, using gloves, and throw it away.