How does West Nile virus actually cause severe illness and death in humans?

Following transmission by an infected mosquito, West Nile virus multiplies in the person's blood system and crosses the blood-brain barrier to reach the brain. The virus interferes with normal central nervous system functioning and causes inflammation of brain tissue.

Show All Answers

1. Where did West Nile virus come from?
2. How long has West Nile virus been in the U.S.?
3. I understand West Nile virus was found in "overwintering" mosquitoes. What does this mean?
4. How do people get West Nile encephalitis?
5. If I live in an area where birds or mosquitoes with West Nile virus have been reported and a mosquito bites me, am I likely to get sick?
6. How does West Nile virus actually cause severe illness and death in humans?
7. What proportion of people with severe illness due to West Nile virus die?
8. Is there a vaccine against West Nile encephalitis?
9. Is adulticide an effective means of controlling mosquitos?
10. ¿Se puede tratar el virus del Nilo occidental?
11. ¿Cuál es el riesgo de enfermarse del Virus del Nilo Occidental?
12. ¿Pueden infectarse los animales con el virus del Nilo Occidental?
13. ¿Todos los mosquitos portan el Virus del Nilo Occidental?