The West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne infection which can cause viral encephalitis. According to the New York State Department of Health, most of the people infected with West Nile last year either did not experience any symptoms, or they experienced mild symptoms before recovering fully. Symptoms may include fever, headaches, body aches, a mild rash or swollen lymph nodes. In some individuals, especially infants, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems, severe encephalitis can cause permanent neurological damage and death. Because West Nile is a viral infection, there is no cure.
Treatment involves providing supportive care and treating the symptoms.
There is no vaccination for West Nile virus, either. If symptoms were to occur, they would occur within five to 15 days after exposure, according to the New York State Department of Health. Mosquitos generally have been a nuisance and nothing more, but now, there is potential for them to cause serious disease. Along with the West Nile virus, we ve imported a more aggressive variety of mosquito. Crows, blue jays and ravens, all members of the Corvid family, appear to be extremely vulnerable to the virus, according to Williams.