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Since 1999, West Nile Virus has been in America. What does it all mean? Is this terrorism? A governemt released illness? Something else entirely - perhaps alien? Should we get Mulder out of retirement to investigate? We think so. And most importantly, why won't my headache go away? | ||||||||||||||||
Q. What are the symptoms of West Nile encephalitis? A. Most infections are mild, and symptoms include fever, headache, and body aches, occasionally with a skin rash on the trunk of the body and swollen lymph glands. More severe infection may be marked by headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, paralysis, and, rarely, death. | ||||||||||||||||
From Time.com... Overall, this has been a tough year as far as West Nile virus is concerned; when it first appeared during the summer of 1999, it was contained to New York City, Connecticut and New Jersey. Since then, cases have sprung up around the country, as far west as South Dakota and in southern states like Florida. This year, the CDC has confirmed more than 600 cases of West Nile Virus; 31 of them have been fatal. Between 1999 and 2001, there were 18 deaths linked to the virus. | ||||||||||||||||
West Nile Virus and Dogs and Cats Updated Q. Can West Nile virus cause illness in dogs or cats? A. West Nile virus does not appear to cause serious illness in dogs or cats. A study conducted in New York City in 1999 indicated that dogs do become infected with the virus, however disease from WN virus infection in dogs has yet to be documented. Q. Can infected dogs or cats be carriers (i.e., reservoirs) for West Nile virus and transmit the virus to humans? A. West Nile virus is transmitted by infectious mosquitoes. There is no documented evidence of person-to-person, animal-to-animal, or animal-to-person transmission of West Nile virus. Veterinarians should take normal infection control precautions when caring for an animal suspected to have this or any viral infection. | ||||||||||||||||
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STEPHEN JAFFE/AFP US Army specialist Steve Richards captures mosquitos for testing | ||||||||||||||||
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