West Nile virus cannot be transmitted from one person to another person. There is no evidence that people can be infected by birds. However, avoid handling live or dead birds unless gloves or other protection is used. People who live in areas where virus activity has been found are at risk for getting West Nile encephalitis. People who are 50 years or older are at greater risk for severe disease.
Most infections are mild.
Symptoms include fever, headache, and body aches, often with skin rash and swollen lymph glands. More severe infection might cause headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, paralysis and, rarely, death. There is no specific treatment. In severe cases, intensive general supportive therapy is indicated. For example, hospitalization with intravenous fluids, breathing support if needed and prevention of secondary infections.