3 Ways to Identify West Nile Virus Symptoms

1. The Silent Virus

According to a study done on West Nile virus, about 80 percent of those who are exposed to the disease will not develop an infection. You may have West Nile and not know it because you won't feel ill. However, you still should avoid large groupings of mosquitoes by reducing standing water on your property. Wear bug spray and install strong, tight screens on your windows to keep insects outside.

2. Test if Fever Presents

About 20 percent of people who become infected with West Nile virus develop fever, headache, body aches, appetite loss, diarrhea and fatigue. You may also experience a skin rash on your chest, back or ribs and swollen lymph glands. Since the "fever" resembles many other diseases, testing is the only way to diagnose the virus. Note that the illness may last only a few days or several weeks, so it may go away before see a doctor. Drugs are prescribed for West Nile, and the best treatment is bed rest.

3. Learn the Odds of a Serious Condition

1 out of 150 people infected with the West Nile virus will develop neuro-invasive disease. Symptoms of this more serious condition include neck stiffness, tremors, convulsions, paralysis, muscle weakness, stupor, disorientation and coma. The disease may inflame the brain to become encephalitis or inflame the membranes near the spinal cord and brain to become meningitis. West Nile also can cause meningoencephalitis, poliomyelitis and acute flaccid paralysis. The serious form of the disease may introduce side effects, like weak muscles, that can be permanent even after treatment.