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Infectious Diseases
Definition
Take the West Nile Virus Quiz

Definition

Take the West Nile Virus Quiz

Prevention is the best way to deal with West Nile virus. Protecting yourself against mosquito bites makes it less likely that you’ll get this disease or any other diseases that mosquitoes can carry.

1. West Nile virus belongs to a group of viruses known as flaviviruses. How are these viruses spread?

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Other flaviviruses carried and spread by mosquitoes include those that cause yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, and dengue. The West Nile virus was first discovered in the U.S. in 1999. It was originally found in Uganda in 1937. The virus is found most often in the U.S., Africa, West Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. In the U.S., the virus has developed into a summertime illness that continues into the fall. This season is generally June through September.

A. Through contaminated water
B. By mosquitoes
C. By sneezing or coughing
D. Through raw or undercooked meat

2. People aren't the usual host of the mosquitoes that carry the West Nile virus. What is?

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An infected bird is bitten by a mosquito. The mosquito picks up the virus and passes it on to another bird. People can become infected when a female mosquito carrying the virus bites a person. Crows, jays, and magpies seem most vulnerable to the virus, but other birds can become infected. More than 40 species of mosquito can pass on the virus. The virus can't be spread through casual contact such as touching or kissing an infected person. Experts have found that the virus can be passed from person to person through blood transfusions or organ transplants. It also can be passed from birth parent to child through breastmilk.

A. Raccoons
B. White-tail deer
C. Skunks
D. Crows and jays

3. Which group of people is at higher risk of becoming seriously ill with West Nile virus?

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Severe illness can happen at any age, but people older than 60 are at greater risk. This is especially true for people with a weakened immune system. Certain jobs put a person at higher risk of getting bitten by an infected mosquito. These include farmers, foresters, landscapers, gardeners, painters, roofers, pavers, construction workers, laborers, mechanics, and other outdoor workers.

A. Infants
B. People with certain medical conditions like diabetes or cancer
C. People over 60
D. All of the above

4. Which of these may be a symptom of West Nile virus infection in a healthy person?

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Up to 1 in 5 people infected with the virus will have symptoms. Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph nodes, and a skin rash. Symptoms often develop 3 to 14 days after a bite by an infected mosquito. Four out of 5 people infected with the virus will not have any symptoms at all.

A. Fever
B. Headache
C. Nausea
D. Skin rash
E. All of the above

5. Which of these is a serious complication of West Nile virus infection?

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About 1 person in 150 will develop severe illness after getting infected by the West Nile virus. This is called West Nile encephalitis or West Nile meningitis, depending on which parts of the central nervous system are affected. A person with either of these illnesses often must be treated in a hospital. In some cases, these illnesses can be fatal. Symptoms of these severe illnesses include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks or longer.

A. Encephalitis
B. Meningitis
C. Arthritis
D. A and B

6. Which of these is a treatment for West Nile virus infection?

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No medicines currently are available to treat the infection caused by the virus. No vaccines are available to prevent infection. Treatment may include hospitalization, IV (intravenous) fluids, and breathing support as needed. The only way to prevent infection is to not get bitten by a mosquito. Testing is available that can help diagnose the infection in people who have symptoms of viral encephalitis or meningitis.

A. Antibiotics
B. Antihistamines
C. Vitamins
D. None of the above

7. Which of these are ways to prevent getting infected with West Nile virus?

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Wearing long sleeves, long pants, and socks can help prevent mosquito bites. This is especially true when the clothing is sprayed with an insect repellant such as permethrin. Use products that contain DEET on your skin. Don't stay outdoors at dawn and dusk. These are the times of day when mosquitoes are more likely to bite. If you open your windows during the summer, make sure they have screens. Drain any standing water around your home. This includes water buckets, pool covers, and flowerpots.

A. Wear long sleeves and long pants when outdoors
B. Stay indoors at dawn and dusk
C. Use an insect repellant that contains DEET
D. All of the above

Your score was:

Author: Sinovic, Dianna

Online Medical Reviewer: Felson, Sabrina, MD

Online Medical Reviewer: Sather, Rita, RN

Date Last Reviewed: 04/01/2023

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

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