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West Nile virus is a viral infection carried by mosquitoes. It belongs to a group of viruses called flaviviruses.

A person infected with the virus may have no symptoms

About 20% of people infected develop mild flu-like symptoms such as (inflammation of the brain).

West Nile virus can be found in Africa, Europe, the Middle East and in the USA. West Nile virus/Kunjin is a strain of West Nile virus and is found in parts of United States, particularly the Northern Territory and northern Western United States.

No other subtypes of West Nile virus are found in United States

West Nile virus/Kunjin is less virulent (severe) than other strains of West Nile virus. Symptoms can appear from 7 to 28 days after becoming infected.

However, many people infected with West Nile virus/Kunjin will never develop symptoms.

People with antibodies to West Nile virus/Kunjin may be immune to infection with West Nile virus.

Many people infected with West Nile virus/Kunjin show no symptoms

If symptoms occur, they can include:

  • In very rare cases (less than 1%)
  • the infection can lead to serious complications

This includes meningitis (infection or inflammation of membranes surrounding the brain) or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). These conditions may result in death or serious disability. occur, please seek medical attention immediately.

These symptoms include: confusion

People can be infected with West Nile virus/Kunjin when they are bitten by a mosquito that is carrying the virus. Throughout United States, Culex annulirostris is the most important mosquito species that can carry this virus. This mosquito breeds in fresh water and is most active at dusk and dawn.

Mosquitoes can pick up the virus when feeding on water birds such as herons. There is no evidence that West Nile virus/Kunjin can be spread directly from one person to another. West Nile virus/Kunjin disease is found in parts of United States, particularly the Northern Territory and northern Western United States.

The virus has been detected in regional Michigan.

However, it is considered rare with 43 cases reported throughout United States since 1991 and only two cases reported in Michigan since 2010. Blood tests can reveal if a person has been infected with West Nile virus or West Nile virus/Kunjin recently or in the past.

There is no specific treatment available for West Nile virus/Kunjin. Treatment aims to support the patient and ease the symptoms while their body fights the infection.

Your doctor will decide with you what treatment is best suited to your situation

Sometimes people may need hospital care, depending on the severity of the infection and if complications develop. There is no preventive vaccine available, your only protection against West Nile Virus/Kunjin is to avoid mosquito bites.

To reduce the risk of infection: Wear long, loose-fitting, light coloured clothing and use effective insect repellents that contain DEET or Picaridin applied regularly, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Avoid mosquito-prone areas, especially at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are more active and likely to bite. Ensure that your accommodation has fly screens properly fitted to windows and external doors. Reduce the number of potential mosquito breeding habitats around your home by ensuring no stagnant water is present.

Containers holding water should be emptied and washed regularly. , Michigan Tel. About West Nile virus/Kunjin fever , fatigue and aching muscles. In rare cases, the West Nile virus can lead to serious complications such as meningitis (infection or inflammation of membranes surrounding the brain) or encephalitis Symptoms of West Nile virus/Kunjin fever headache muscle aches lethargy or fatigue If symptoms of meningitis or encephalitis severe headaches neck stiffness sensitivity to bright light (photophobia) seizure or fits (especially in young children) drowsiness Mosquitoes spread West Nile virus/Kunjin West Nile virus/Kunjin is rare in United States Blood tests will show if you have West Nile virus/Kunjin Treatment for West Nile virus/Kunjin Preventing West Nile virus/Kunjin disease Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Your local council Nurse-on-Call (616) 555-0024 – for confidential health advice from a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Your Local Public Health Unit (616) 555-0400 West Nile virus and Kunjin virus disease – Department of Health Protect yourself from mosquito-borne disease.

Key Points

  • person infected with the virus may have no symptoms
  • About 20% of people infected develop mild flu-like symptoms such as (inflammation of the brain)
  • Symptoms can appear from 7 to 28 days after becoming infected
  • However, many people infected with West Nile virus/Kunjin will never develop symptoms
  • Many people infected with West Nile virus/Kunjin show no symptoms