How to Prevent Spread of West Nile Virus

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CLEVELAND - Multiple cases of West Nile virus have been reported here in the United States. 

For those unfamiliar, the virus is transmitted through mosquitoes and is most active this time of year. 

“We tend to see rises in it in late summer, especially in August and September. Most people that get the virus are not going to have any symptoms at all,” said Donald Dumford, MD, infectious disease specialist at Cleveland Clinic. 

Dr. Dumford said if a person were to experience symptoms, they would typically include fever, muscle aches and sometimes nausea. 

In rare complications, they could also develop West Nile neuroinvasive disease. 

There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus. 

However, supportive care is often used, like getting rest, staying hydrated and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. 

Dr. Dumford said in terms of prevention, the following can be helpful. 

"One thing to do to prevent West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses is to try to avoid mosquito bites altogether. If we're talking specifically about West Nile virus, it's transmitted by a mosquito that typically is active at those twilight and nighttime hours. So it's a good idea, not just at those times, but all throughout the day if you're going to be outside, apply an EPA-approved mosquito repellent,” he said. “This is great not just for mosquito-borne illnesses, but also for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, which we have to worry about in our summer months as well."

Dr. Dumford said West Nile virus is not contagious to others. 

Meaning, if a person gets it, they cannot spread it to someone else.