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Watching for West Nile Virus - The Disease
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- First and foremost, if you have concerns that you or a member of your
family have been infected by West Nile Virus, the only way to be sure
is to consult a physician. That said, it is important to be mindful
of the following information:
- All current evidence suggests that of the few in society who are
infected by a mosquito carrying West Nile Virus, approximately 80%
will show no signs of infection and feel no effects, and are not
at risk. Approximately 20% will develop mild flu-like symptoms and
of those, fewer than 1% will develop the serious form of the disease.
- From the time of being bitten by an infected mosquito to illness,
there is an incubation period, ranging from two to fifteen days,
during which there are no symptoms. This is followed by the onset
of flu-like symptoms in those who become sick. Those who get seriously
ill tend to do so in a very short period of time after the onset
of flu-like symptoms. If you have mild flu-like symptoms that have
persisted for more than a week without a serious deterioration in
condition, it is not likely that you will develop West Nile Encephalitis
or Meningitis.
- For those who may be concerned about a mosquito bite that occurred
more than 20 days ago, if you are not now ill, you may rest easy.
If you were infected, no matter whether you became sick or not,
you will now be immune to the disease. All present evidence indicates
that West Nile immunity is permanent.
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