Some important facts about West Nile virus

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans primarily by the bite of an infected mosquito.

West Nile virus in the United States was first detected in New York City in 1999. In total, more than 2,600 people died from it in the United States, CNN reported.

It is not transmitted from person to person through casual contact.

In rare cases, the disease can be transmitted through blood transfusions, organ transplants, in the laboratory, or from mother to infant.

Symptoms of West Nile virus include: fatigue, fever, headache, body aches, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. 80% of infected people do not show any symptoms.

According to the US Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, less than 1% of infected people develop a serious neuroinvasive disease, such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord).

There is no vaccine or specific treatment for this disease.

The most effective method of prevention is to avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing when outdoors.

West Nile fever was first discovered in the world in 1937 in Uganda. This disease is quite common throughout Africa, Central Asia and the Middle East.

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