WEST NILE VIRUSCorey Daniels

February 27th 2013

Psychology, First Period

WEST NILE VIRUS

Named this because it was first identified in the Western Nile sub region in the East African nation Uganda in 1937

TARGET POPULATION

Those who spend the most time outdoors are at the highest risk.

But Children under 12 months and adults over 50 are at increased risk due to underdeveloped or weakened immune systems.

WHERE AND HOW

West Nile Virus can cause a rare but potentially fatal swelling of the brain called encephalitis.

The affected areas of the brain are usually the basal ganglia, thalamus, cerebellum, and brainstem.

SYMPTOMS

Least severe: No symptoms Normal: Fever, Body aches, Headache Most severe: Flu like symptoms, skin rash,

swollen lymph glands, swelling of the brain.

Flu like illness

PROGNOSIS

In most cases of West Nile Virus, symptoms are mild, last 3 - 5 days, and resolve without becoming serious. In fact, the infection is generally unrecognized as anything other than a mild flu.

TREATMENT

Because this illness is not caused by bacteria, antibiotics do not help treat West Nile virus infection. Standard hospital care may help decrease the risk of complications in severe illness. There is also no vaccine available to cure or prevent WNV.

NOTABLE CASE

Former Facts of life star Lisa Whelchel Was infected with WNV while competing on the reality TV show Survivor, Philippines edition.

ORGANIZATIONS

The only organization that provides information about prevention and treatment is the Center for Disease Control.

SOURCES

http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/west-nile-virus/overview.html

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/west-nile-virus/DS00438

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/clinicians/treatment.htm