Health Updates: What Is West Nile Virus!

What Is West Nile Virus: In view of the increasing cases of West Nile Virus, the Kerala state government has issued an alert. Recently, the news of the death of a woman due to this infection has also come to light. In such a situation, you can know here who is more at risk and what you need to do to avoid its side effects. 

West Nile Virus is spread by mosquito bites. Its first case was found in 1937 in the West Nile District of Uganda, on the basis of which this infection was named. During the 1950s, the outbreak of this infection increased so much in Israel that it got the status of an epidemic. Now its cases are increasing rapidly in Kerala. The state government has also issued an alert in three districts regarding this. However, cases of its infection have already been found in Kerala in 2011.

West Nile virus also causes many diseases in horses, for the prevention of which there is a vaccine. But there is no vaccine for humans yet. In such a situation, the only way to avoid it is to protect from mosquitoes. Especially for some people in whom this infection proves fatal.

mosquito that spreads West Nile virus

Mosquitoes of the genus Culex are generally considered to be the main vectors of WNV. This specifically includes the Cx pipiens mosquito. This is a female mosquito. 

How does West Nile virus spread?

According to WHO,  the West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bites of mosquitoes that bite birds infected with this virus. However, this infection can pass from mother to child through organ transplantation, blood transfusion, and breast milk. But no such case has come to light yet.

west nile virus

About 80% of infected people have no symptoms of WNV. About 20% of people who become infected with WNV develop West Nile virus infection with symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue body aches, nausea, vomiting, sometimes skin rashes (on the trunk), and swollen lymph glands,..

Is West Nile Virus deadly?

According to the CDC, recovery from serious illness may take several weeks or months. Some effects of this infection are permanent on the central nervous system. Due to this approximately 1 in 10 people suffering from this infection dies.

Who is at greater risk?

West Nile virus proves fatal for people above 60 years of age. Apart from this, people suffering from cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and organ transplant need to be more careful. 

What is the treatment for West Nile virus? 

There is no specific treatment for West Nile Virus (WNV) disease. The patient is kept under observation and treatment is given to reduce its symptoms.

Ways to avoid West Nile virus

W. N. There is no vaccine to prevent V. infection. In such a situation, the best way to prevent West Nile is to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Use mosquito repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, take measures to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors