Symptoms of West Nile neuroinvasive disease, which occurs when the virus affects a person's nervous system, can include severe headaches, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, paralysis and coma. This form of the disease can lead to long-lasting or permanent brain damage.
Residents should also ensure that the doors and windows to their homes have tight-fitting screens to keep mosquitoes out. The insects lay their eggs in standing water and all sources of standing water should be eliminated from one's property, including flowerpots, rain gutters and pet water bowls. Swimming pools, hot tubs and ornamental ponds should be properly maintained. If you have a pond, use mosquito fish; you can obtain these fish for free from the West Vector & Vector-Borne Disease Control District by calling
People who have West Nile virus fever can have a variety of symptoms, or none at all. Symptoms can include headaches, high fever, body aches, tiredness, rash and swollen lymph nodes. These symptoms can last from several days to a few weeks.
