Thrissur: Kerala’s health department on Sunday issued an alert for possible spread of West Nile fever in the state. A man undergoing treatment for a vector-borne disease in Thrissur was warned today after his death. This is the first case of West Nile fever to be transmitted by the Culex species of mosquito, which has been reported in recent times. The disease had earlier claimed the life of one person in Kerala in 2019.Also read – The southwest monsoon arrived in Kerala, 3 days earlier than scheduled. Check out the details here
According to officials, two contacts of the victim, Puthanpurakal Joby (47) also showed symptoms of the disease and their blood samples have been sent for testing. Also read – Extreme heat relief: IMD forecasts cloudy skies in Delhi for next 5 days; Monsoon will arrive in Kerala soon
What is West Nile Fever, how is it spread?
West Nile virus (WNV) is an infectious disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes of the genus Culex. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed infected birds. West Nile virus is spread by biting people and other animals after an infected mosquito. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in a very small number of cases, West Nile virus is also transmitted through laboratory settings, blood transfusions and organ transplants and exposure from mother to child, during pregnancy. , Delivery, or breastfeeding. Also read – Kerala, Rajasthan have reduced taxes on petrol and diesel after the Center reduced excise duty. Check out the latest rates here
There are no vaccines or drugs to treat WNV in humans. Fortunately, most people infected with WNV do not look sick. Fever and other symptoms are present in 1 in 5 infected people, and only 1 in 150 infected people develops a serious, sometimes fatal, illness, according to the CDS. The risk of WNV infection can be reduced by using pesticides and by wearing long sleeved shirts and long pants to avoid mosquito bites.
Symptoms of West Nile Fever
Most people infected with WNV (about 8 out of 10) do not develop any symptoms. However, 1 in 5 people who are infected with the virus may have a fever with headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Most people with a fever (fever) recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.
According to the CDC, 1 in 150 people infected with WNV develops a serious illness affecting the central nervous system, such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord).
Symptoms of severe WNV infection include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, numbness, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, loss of vision, numbness, and paralysis. Serious illness can occur in people of any age; However, people over the age of 60 are at higher risk for serious illness if infected (1 in 50 people).
People with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease and those receiving organ transplants, are also at higher risk. Recovery from a serious illness can take weeks or months.
Some effects on the central nervous system may be permanent. According to the CDC, 1 in 10 people with a serious illness affecting the central nervous system dies.
Diagnosis of West Nile fever
- See your healthcare provider if you notice any of the symptoms described above.
- Your healthcare provider may order tests to check for West Nile virus infection.
Treatment of West Nile fever
- There is no vaccine or specific drug available for West Nile virus infection.
- Over-the-counter pain relief can be used to reduce fever and relieve some symptoms.
- In severe cases, patients often need hospitalization to receive supportive treatment, such as intravenous fluids, pain medication, and nursing care.
- If you think you or a family member has West Nile virus disease, talk to your healthcare provider.
Origin of WNV
According to the WHO, WNV was first found in 1937 in a woman in Uganda’s West Nile district. It was first seen in birds (crows and columbiformes) in the Nile Delta region in 1953.
Prior to 1997, WNV was not considered pathogenic for birds, but at that time more viral strains in Israel were causing the death of various bird species presenting signs of encephalitis and paralysis. The WHO said human infections attributed to WNV have been reported in many countries for more than 50 years.
