What is West Nile virus?
West Nile virus (WNV) is an infectious disease that was first discovered in Uganda, Africa in 1937. The first North American  cases were reported in New York in 1999. Since then, the virus has spread across the continent  and made headlines as outbreaks dramatically increased the number of human cases.

WNV belongs to a group of disease-causing viruses known as flaviviruses. Many of these can be spread by insects, usually mosquitoes, to animals, including humans. Most human infections are mild, although in some cases serious illness and death can result from WNV infection.

Symptoms
One in five (20%) infected with WNV experience symptoms described as flu-like, with fever, gastrointestinal upset, headache, and body ache and may include skin rash and swollen lymph nodes. These symptoms typically last for only a few days and are related to the production of IgM antibodies to the virus. It is this time when patients typically visit a doctor and where early diagnosis using Spectral’s RapidWN™ West Nile Virus IgM Test will have the greatest impact.

Early recognition of exposure to WNV may prevent the advancement of more serious and life threatening disease. Mortality can be as high as 15% for the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.

For more information on the West Nile virus, please visit:

CDC: www.cdc.gov

Health Canada: www.hc-sc.gc.ca