West Nile virus is most commonly transmitted to humans through mosquito bites. While most infected people experience no symptoms, some may develop fever and flu-like symptoms. Less than 1% of infected individuals develop a serious neurological illness. There are no medications to treat or vaccines to prevent West Nile virus infection.

1. West Nile Virus
Kitana

2. West Nile virus (WNV) is most commonly
transmitted to humans by mosquitoes.
• There are no medications to treat or
vaccines to prevent WNV infection.
• Fortunately, most people infected with
WNV will have no symptoms. About 1 in 5
people who are infected will develop a
fever with other symptoms. Less than 1%
of infected people develop a serious,
sometimes fatal, neurologic illness.
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Background Info

3. Additional routes of human infection have
also been documented. It is important to
note that these methods of transmission
represent a very small proportion of
cases.
• Blood transfusions.
• Organ transplants.
• Exposure in a laboratory setting • From
mother to baby during pregnancy,
delivery, or breastfeeding.
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Background Info

4. • Symptoms of West Nile virus really depend on the person who becomes
infected. Kids with normal immune systems (say: ih-myoon), the system
of the body that fights off disease and infection, usually get just a mild
"flu-like" illness and may not feel bad at all with the infection. • People
over 50 years old and those with weakened immune systems due to
HIV/AIDS, cancer, or organ transplants are most at risk for the infection
http://wellnessandequality.com/2012/08/17/pros-cons-west-nile-virus-vspyrethroid-exposure/
 • 80% of those who contract West Nile Virus experience no symptoms
and clear the virus without treatment. • 20% of those who contract the
virus will experience flu-like symptoms (fever, body aches, swollen lymph
glands).
 • If infected, you have a less than 1% chance of dying from the disease. •
1 in 150 people will have a severe reaction to the virus which could result
in permanent damage or death.
 • Humans do not generally transmit the virus to one another, and are
considered “dead-end” hosts. (The virus can, however, be transmitted
through blood transfusions, organ transplants, and breastfeeding.)
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Behind the topic

5. 
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Even though it was discovered all the way back in 1937 in
Africa, the West Nile virus probably didn't make its way to
the United States until 1999. But since then, it has been a
cause of concern all over the country during the summer
months
West Nile virus is caused by a bite from an infected
mosquito that's already carrying the virus, but it's
important to remember that not all mosquitoes are
infected. In many parts of the United States, the risk of
being bitten by an infected mosquito is greatest from July
to early September. But in some parts of the country,
mosquito bites can be a risk all year long.
Not everyone who gets bitten by an infected mosquito will
get the virus. And although kids can get West Nile virus,
it's rare for them to become very sick from it.
Behind the topic

6. There are no benefits of getting the West Nile
Virus.
 Drawbacks- If you’re bitten by the infected
mosquito, you can have 2-15 days of illness.
Symptoms Include Meningitis
 High fever
 Stiff neck
 Nausea
 Weakness
 Vomiting
 Difficulty swallowing
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Benefits/Drawbacks

7. 
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• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Lack of coordination
• Muscle weakness
• Paralysis
• Loss of consciousness
• Movement disorder
• Muscle degeneration
• Skin rash The severity of the symptoms
depends on where you get bit, and it depends on
the person, and how their body reacts.
Benefits/Drawbacks

8. •
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Ethical issues: Ways to protect yourself.
Apply a bug repellent that contains no more
than 30% DEET. (DEET a chemical that attracts
mosquitoes)
Wear light coloured clothing during summer as
opposed to dark coloured clothing, when doing
outdoor activities.
Natural oil based repellent.
Check your door screens and windows for holes.
Environmentally friendly ways to reduce
mosquitoes include installing bat- and birdhouses
and encouraging species such as dragonflies,
frogs, and beetles.
Social/Ethical

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October,5,2013
Average of 33 clinical of WNV Neurological
syndromes:
Quebec-19
Ontario-6
Manitoba-1
Saskatchewan-4
Alberta-3
Statistics

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48 clinical cases of WNV non-neurological
syndrome
Quebec-7
Ontario-21
Manitoba-1
Saskatchewan-1
Alberta-8
WNV-Unspecified (21 cases in Ontario)
Total cases in average 102
Statistics

11. The topic WNV helps improve the well being in our
society because it shows that even though we are in
a clean area, they’re are still viruses that can be
easily caught if we don’t protect ourselves and be
aware. It also shows the society what do to if you’ve
been bitten and the symptoms and side, so you can
be treated as soon as possible. This also shows
society that anyone can be bitten and different people
have different affects. This gives us the advantage to
know how to protect ourselves against this virus, so
that we won’t have to go to the doctors and still do
the things we love like camping, and many other
outdoor activities.
Society

12. Pictures

13. Protection

14. Most people recover without treatment.
• Pain relievers can relieve the headaches
and minor muscle aches.
• In severe cases, people are hospitalized
where they can receive supportive
treatment like, intravenous fluids, which
help with breathing and nursing care.
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Solutions/Treatments

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http://chealth.canoe.ca/channel_condition_in
fo_details.asp?disease_id=288&channel_id=1
020&relation_id=71085
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/wnno/symptom-eng.php
http://wellnessandequality.com/2012/08/17/
pros-cons-west-nile-virus-vs-pyrethroidexposure/
http://kidshealth.org/kid/ill_injure/aches/wes
t_nile.html
Bibliography