How to Identify West Nile Virus Symptoms

It usually takes two to 15 days for any signs or symptoms to show after you have been infected with West Nile virus from a mosquito bite. Most people that are infected with West Nile virus won't show any symptoms. However, 20 percent of people do develop an infection called West Nile fever that does have a few symptoms you can look for. Most of the symptoms will last for three to six days before a full recovery. However, 1 percent of people will have serious neurological infections that can have long term affects. If you believe you have West Nile Virus you should consult with your doctor.

Instructions

• 1

  Test your temperature to see if it is higher than normal. The 20 percent of people that do show symptoms will have a fever. You may also have a headache, backache or muscle aches.

• 2

  Look on the trunk of your body for a skin rash. Swollen lymph glands can also be an indication of West Nile fever.

• 3

  Know that having diarrhea, nausea, a lack of appetite, or vomiting can be another sign of West Nile fever. Drinking enough fluids during this time is important so you do not become dehydrated.

• 4

  Check for signs that could show that you have developed the more serious type of West Nile virus, also called West Nile meningitis, West Nile encephalitis or West Nile poliomyelitis. The symptoms listed above will be more severe in this case, such as having a high fever and severe headahce.

• 5

  Notice if you start to have convulsions, confusion or disorientation, a stiff neck, sudden weakness or partial paralysis, or go into a coma. Those that have the most serious type of West Nile virus can also develop symptoms that are similar to those associated with Parkinson's Disease.