Guest Author - Lisa Shea

West Nile Virus usually causes no symptoms at all in healthy people - and mild flu-like issues in others. What are the full range of symptoms of West Nile Virus?

Not Everyone is Infected
The percentage of mosquitoes carrying West Nile is small, and even if you are bitten by a mosquito carrying West Nile, your chance of actually getting West Nile Virus is still small. Estimates are that only 1 out of 300 people bitten by a West Nile Virus carrying mosquito actually then contract West Nile Virus.

Healthy Bodies Fight Back
For most people, West Nile Virus is as mild as getting a common cold - or even a non-issue. They may not have any symptoms at all while their body fights off and defeats the virus. It is estimated that 80% of all people who get West Nile Virus have no symptoms or issues at all.

Unhealthy Bodies Have Mild Symptoms
Your body has certain symptoms when it is trying to fight off a virus. These include headache, fever, muscle aches, chills, and loss of energy. These are the same symptoms of West Nile Virus. You can be sensitive to light. The "flu" lasts a week or two, and then leaves without any problem. Around 19% of people infected have some sort of mild response to the virus.

Elderly Bodies develop Other Problems
Elderly bodies that are not good at fighting off infection can develop other problems because of the West Nile Virus. Only around 1% of people who are infected develop this level of issue. Symptoms generally appear between 1-2 weeks of the initial bite and start with severe headaches and high fever.

Of course, if you have any questions about your health, you should always contact your doctor.

Anti Mosquito Information
West Nile Virus Information