West Nile Virus
- The West Nile virus was first isolated and identified in 1937 from an infected person in the West Nile district of Uganda.
- Until 1999, the virus was found only in the eastern hemisphere, with wide distribution in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
- Since 1937, infrequent human outbreaks, mainly associated with mild febrile illnesses were reported mostly in groups of soldiers, children, and healthy adults in Israel and Africa.
- Since the mid-1900's, the frequency and apparent severity of West Nile virus outbreaks have increased.
- Of interest, both birds and humans have died of West Nile virus infection in the U.S. and Israel; the reason for this is not known.
- The incubation period of the virus is thought to be about 3 to 14 days, however most human infections are not apparent.
- The symptoms of the virus appear as a generalized feeling of discomfort, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, eye pain, headache, muscle aches, rash and wollen lymph glands.
- Preventative measures include eliminating containers or small pools of water close to the home, preventing mosquitos from biting humans by wearing long shirts and pants with elastic cuffs, avoiding locations where mosquitos are biting and using mosquito repellents such as "Cutter's" for adults or "OFF" for children, not to be used on children under 2 years of age. Do not apply repellent on hands or face.