To date, there is no vaccination to prevent West Nile virus (WNV). The easiest and best way to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites. People over the age of 50 are more likely to develop serious symptoms of WNV if they do get sick and should take special care to avoid mosquito bites.
There is no specific treatment for WNV infection. In milder cases, people experience symptoms such as fever and aches that pass on their own, although even healthy people have become sick for several weeks. In more severe cases, people usually need to go to the hospital where they can receive supportive treatment including intravenous fluids, help with breathing, and nursing care.
For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Disease - West Nile Virus Web site at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm.
