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Step 1
Learn all you can about West Nile Virus through training provided by workplaces. Workers at risk include anyone working outdoors when mosquitoes are active. Painters, construction workers, gardeners, foresters and farmers are just a few occupations with WNV risk.
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Step 2
Wear protective clothing when working outdoors in areas where mosquitoes are biting.
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Step 3
Use protective gloves when performing necropsies (determining the cause of death) on infected birds. It is crucial to prevent the skin from coming into contact with the tissue or fluid of the infected bird.
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Step 4
Realize that West Nile encephalitis is the most serious disease resulting from the WNV. Younger people survive and recover more quickly and completely than the elderly.
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Step 1
Relax at home and drink plenty of fluids while recuperating from West Nile Virus. Treat fever and mild discomfort with over-the-counter analgesics.
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Step 2
Treat secondary symptoms as needed. Hospitalization may be required for the administration of intravenous fluids and nutrition. Airway management may require support on a ventilator.
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Step 3
Recognize the resulting adverse affects of West Nile Virus may require up to a year to recover.
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Step 4
Confirm the diagnosis with a CBC (blood test)or a lumbar puncture (checks the spinal fluid). Another option is to have a CT or MRI of the head.
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Step 5
Expect treatment options to improve in the future. Research trials are underway to find a drug that is effective in treating the symptoms of West Nile Virus.
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Step 6
Participate in clinical studies. The U.S. National Institutes of Health lists several clinical trials (see Resources below).
