West Nile Virus: Symptoms, Testing, Prevention, and When to Seek Care

Could this illness be West Nile and what should I do next? Anirudh Rai, MD, Physician at Henry Mayo Newhall Primary Care, walks us through how West Nile virus is transmitted (mosquitoes, sometimes via bird reservoirs), why about 80% of infections are asymptomatic, and which symptoms — fever, malaise, chills, GI upset or blood in stool — suggest you should seek testing. He explains PCR blood testing, current supportive treatments (fluids, nutrition, occasional steroids for inflammation), and who is at higher risk for severe disease (people with weakened immunity, diabetes, high blood pressure, or smokers). Dr. Rai also gives practical prevention advice discussed on the show: eliminate standing water, use repellents and nets, watch for community abatement programs, and maintain overall health to help your immune response. He notes recent attention to rising cases and weather-driven mosquito increases so listeners can better recognize, prevent, and respond to possible West Nile virus exposure.
 

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