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West Nile Virus Survivor says Protect Yourself

A 52 year old West Nile Encephalitis survivor strives to raise awareness. Hen (nickname used to respect her privacy) is a 52 year old female, touched by West Nile Encephalitis in August 2005.



She says, I began to suffer with fever, terrible spinal pain that felt like my spine was going to rupture. This pain spread into my back arms, legs, and neck. I could not tilt my head downwards, nor could I turn my eyes, left to right without terrible pain. I developed swollen lymph nodes, and a rash. After the fever left (2 weeks), I developed stuttering, facial numbness, blurred vision, and memory problems. I slept 20 - 22 hours a day. I am still plagued by many of these problems and some new ones at 9 months from my initial illness. You cannot believe how tired this illness makes you. I was diagnosied with West Nile Virus Encephalitis, and it has left me with permanent brain damage. I too believed the news reports on TV that said, you would only get mild-flu like symptoms.



She hopes that more people will understand about West Nile Encephalitis. She says, The neuroinvasive form of West Nile Virus, it does not just affect the very young and very old with (menigitis, encephalitis, paralysis, poliomyletis, coma and/or death). West Nile Virus, it can strike you at any age, in any health, in any state, and it leaves in its wake, disrupted lives, and people struggling to survive.



Watch for dead birds

Educate your neigbhors and dump standing water

Screens on doors and windows

Take precautions



Neuroinvasive

Illness

Lasting symptoms

Encephalitis



Virus

I avoid being outdoors at dawn and dusk

Report dead birds to your health department

Use mosquito repellent, but not on kids under 2 years of age

Spread the word to everyone you know



Hen finishes by saying, If you, a family member, or friend is suffering from Encephalitis, you can log onto EncephalitisGlobal.com. This site also welcomes caregivers. Lots of information for those hungry for answers.

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