Summary:
Since 1999, when it was first identified in the United States, the mosquitoborne disease West Nile virus (WNV) has spread across the country. The virus has been widely distributed for years throughout Africa, the Middle East and West Asia, but with its appearance in the United States, the virus has threatened an immunologically naïve population, with the elderly most at risk. Case counts have ranged from 62 in 1999 to almost 10,000 in 2003, to less than 700 in 2011. Healthcare providers should be aware of how the virus is transmitted, the symptoms and how it can be spread in a healthcare setting.
Objectives:
The goal of this program is to provide healthcare providers with information about West Nile virus. After studying the information presented here, you should be able to:
- Describe the vector (mosquito), reservoir host (bird), and “dead-end host” (human) cycle of the virus
- Describe the symptoms of West Nile encephalitis
- Discuss ways to prevent mosquito bites
Approval Information
This course is intended for an interprofessional audience, including health educators, EMTs/paramedics, laboratory professionals, nurses, and pharmacists.
EMTs/Paramedics: Take this version of the course to ensure you receive appropriate credit.
For the version accredited or approved for another profession, go to your specific profession at
www.continuingeducation.com or
Nurse.com/CE. If you have a CE Direct login ID and password (generally provided by your employer), please log in as you normally would at
lms.nurse.com and search for this topic title.
Gannett Education is accredited by the Continuing Education Coordinating Board for Emergency Medical Services (CECBEMS).
CEH Number and Category: 1.0 Advanced