West Nile Virus

The West Nile Virus (WNV) topic includes research on the causative pathogen, transmission, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of infections caused by WNV.

WNV is a virus most commonly transmitted to humans by mosquito bites. Most people infected with WNV have no symptoms at all, but others have mild fever, headache, body aches, a rash, and swollen lymph nodes. In severe cases, the virus may enter the brain and cause life-threatening issues, including inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.

WNV can affect anyone, but people over age 60, those with pre-existing conditions, and those who have had organ transplants are at higher risk for severe illness from WNV infection. Currently, there is no vaccine to protect against WNV and no specific treatments for serious WNV infections.