Yes, and that’s how it goes for most people who catch West Nile virus. Most show no symptoms, a few show flu-like symptoms, and a small minority develop serious disease.
It is entirely possible to contract West Nile virus and remain completely unaware. In fact, remaining asymptomatic is the most common outcome.
If you catch West Nile virus, you have about an 80% chance of not showing symptoms. If you’re not in the luckiest 80%, then the most likely thing to happen is flu-like symptoms (fever, headache, body aches, maybe a rash). A very small subset of people, less than 1%, will go on to develop a serious neurological condition involving encephalitis or meningitis, which can be severe or even fatal. Most healthy immune systems will clear the virus like any other common bug.
When people do find out, it's often by accident. Some learn only because they donate blood, since the blood supply is screened for West Nile virus, or because they're tested during an unrelated serious illness. Many never know at all. If you are over 60 or you have a compromised immune system, then you will want to be extra vigilant.
Just because West Nile virus is usually not a big problem, it’s not a good idea to shrug it off. It’s a reason to prevent bites in the first place, since you can’t tell an infected mosquito from any other and there is no specific treatment or human vaccine. Fewer bites means lower risk, full stop.
If you're tired of leaving that to chance, Mosquito Squad of Grand Rapids can help. Mosquito Squad reduces the Culex mosquitoes that carry West Nile around your home, helping protect your family with up to 90% reduction in mosquito activity on a recurring 21-day cycle.
