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West Nile Virus Directory
West Nile virus causes an infection that is spread by certain kinds of mosquitoes. Most people who have West Nile have no symptoms, or their symptoms are so mild that they may not even realize that they have the virus. In rare cases, West Nile can lead to swelling of the brain (encephalitis), swelling of the spinal cord (myelitis), or swelling of the tissues around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). In a few cases, West Nile can be fatal. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about how West Nile virus is contracted, what it looks like, how to treat it, and much more.
Medical Reference
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Answers About West Nile Virus
Get answers to questions about West Nile virus.
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The Basics of Encephalitis
From symptoms to treatment to prevention, get the basics on encephalitis from the experts at WebMD.
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Encephalitis Treatment
How is encephalitis diagnosed and treated? Find out from the experts at WebMD.
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Avoid Mosquito Bites and West Nile Virus
Learn how to protect yourself from mosquito bites, which could lead to infection with the West Nile virus.
Features
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Diseases From Animals: A Primer
There are at least 39 important diseases people catch directly from animals. There are at least 48 important diseases people get from the bite of bugs that bit an infected animal. And there are at least 42 important diseases that people get by ingesting or handling food or water contaminated with animal feces.
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Safer Bug Spray: Natural Bug Repellents
WebMD discusses natural options for insect control and offers comparisons of natural repellents with popular chemical repellents such as DEET.
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Another West Nile Virus Summer?
Eyes are turning to California as encephalitis season starts.
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How to Be Repellent -- to Bugs
Want to avoid bug bites this year? Get them before they get you.
Slideshows & Images
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Slideshow: Summer Skin Hazards -- Stings, Bites, Burns, and More
Don’t let spider bites, sunburn, poison ivy, chigger bites, and jellyfish stings sabotage your healthy skin. This slideshow illustrates what to watch for -- so you can stay safe this summer.
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Slideshow: Diseases Spread by Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance. WebMD explains the latest on the dangerous diseases they can carry, from Chikungunya to Zika.