Le virus du Nil occidental (VNO) est une infection transmise par les moustiques. Vous pouvez réduire le risque d'infection en diminuant votre exposition aux piqûres de moustiques.
How West Nile Virus (WNV) is spread
West Nile virus is spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on an infected bird.
The virus is not spread by person-to-person contact. It is not spread directly from a bird to a human. On very rare occasions WNV has been spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants and from mother to child during pregnancy, birth or through human milk.
Symptoms
West Nile virus symptoms can range from mild to severe and usually appear within two to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito (two to six days is most common).
No symptoms, most people
The risk of becoming seriously ill from WNV is low. Most people (about four in five) infected with WNV will not have any symptoms.
Febrile Illness (fever), approximately 20 percent of people
About one in five people infected with WNV will become sick with fever and other symptoms such as headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness or rash. Symptoms usually last from a few days to a few weeks, and most people recover completely.
Severe illness, small number of cases
About one in 150 people infected with WNV will develop serious symptoms affecting their central nervous system such as encephalitis (swelling of the brain) or meningitis (swelling of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord).
Severe illness is most likely to occur in adults 50 years of age or older and those with underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems. About one in 10 people who develop severe illness with WNV die from it.
If you have any of the following symptoms after being bitten by a mosquito, get medical attention immediately:
- Rapid onset of severe headache.
- High fever.
- Stiff neck.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Confusion or drowsiness.
- Tremors or convulsions.
- Numbness or paralysis.
- Muscle weakness.
- Sudden sensitivity to light.
- Extreme swelling or infection at the site of the mosquito bite is another reason to get medical attention.
Learn more about West Nile virus.
Protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites
Cover up
Wear light-coloured clothing with long-sleeves, pants and socks in areas where mosquitoes are present, especially at dusk and dawn when they are most active.
Use insect repellent when outdoors
Apply an approved mosquito repellent containing DEET or Icaridin to exposed skin and clothing and follow the manufacturer’s label for directions on use.
Clean up mosquito friendly areas
- Eliminate sites of standing or stagnant water where mosquitos can breed.
- Place tight-fitting screens on windows and doors. Repair holes in screens.
- Keep bushes and shrubs trimmed and clear of debris. Adult mosquitoes like to rest in dense shrubbery.