West Nile Symptoms: Get Informed About the Mosquito-Borne Virus

More cases of the West Nile virus have been reported this summer than ever before, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

The agency said it has received 1,118 West Nile virus cases so far — the most through the third week in August since the virus was first detected in the U.S. in 1999.

One of those cases . The city's health department said the 54-year-old resident is recovering and has not suffered any any neurological effects following a mosquito bite.

Through Aug. 21, there have been 15 other cases reported in Ohio, including five in Cuyahoga County.

Here's what you need to know to be informed about West Nile Virus. The information was taken from the CDC and the City of Solon:

How does West Nile spread?

• Mostly through infected mosquitoes.
• In a very small number of cases, by transfusions, transplants, and mother-to-child.
• Not through touching.

Symptoms

• About 80 percent of people infected will show no symptoms.
• About 1 in 150 people will have serious symptoms, including high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent.
• Milder symptoms in about 20 percent of people infected, such as fever, headache, and body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms can last for as short as a few days, though even healthy people have become sick for several weeks.

How soon will symptoms show?

• People bitten by an infected mosquito could show symptoms within 3 to 14 days.

Prevention

• Prevent personal exposure to mosquitoes by using insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil and follow label directions.
• Property owners should make sure there is no standing water in artificial containers (toys, buckets, tires, gutters, etc.) which can serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

For more information, visit the CDC's West Nile Virus page.