Everything you need to know about West Nile fever

By Dr. Pruthu Narendra Dhekane

What is West Nile Fever and what causes it?

West Nile virus (WNV) is primarily caused by the West Nile virus and spreads by infected bird larvae being bitten by infected Culex mosquitoes, the main cause of mosquito-borne diseases. The main route of transmission is the bite of an infected mosquito. Crows, pigeons and pigeons act as hosts for the West Nile virus, and mosquitoes eat them. As a result, the virus spreads to the salivary glands and humans. The mosquito season, which begins in summer and continues through autumn, is the time when WNV cases are most prevalent. There are no vaccinations or medications available to prevent or treat human WNV.

West Nile virus was infected by the following in a very limited number of cases:
Experiment in a controlled environment
Blood transfusions and organ transplants
From mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding

However, West Nile virus (WNV) does not spread in the following ways:
Cough, sneeze, or physical contact
By interacting with real animals
From the handling of contaminated birds, alive or dead. When handling dead animals, avoid touching them with bare hands.If you want to dispose of dead birds, use gloves or multiple plastic bags to put your body in the trash.
By consuming infected animals, including birds.Always follow the recommendations to properly cook the meat

Effects of Nile Fever on the Human Body – What are the Indications and Symptoms?

The virus kills countless people around the world, and while 80% of infected people remain asymptomatic, about 1 in 150 infected people have encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or the central nervous system. I am suffering from a serious illness that affects my system. Meningitis (inflammation of the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord). High fever, headache, stupor, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, cramps, muscle weakness, loss of vision, numbness, and paralysis are all symptoms of a chronic infection.

Individuals of all ages can get an acute illness. However, people over the age of 60 are at increased risk of serious illness when infected (1 in 50). People with certain medical disorders, such as cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and organ transplant recipients, are also more vulnerable.

process:
It is often fatal to people with comorbidity or weakened immunity. Access to these moderately frequent but abnormal viral disease tests is difficult because they are not readily available anywhere. Treatment is primarily supportive and symptomatic, and recovery from such major illnesses can take weeks or months and has a lasting effect on the central nervous system.
There is no vaccination or special treatment for West Nile virus infection.
You can control fever and relieve symptoms with over-the-counter painkillers.
Severely ill patients may need to be admitted to the hospital for supportive care such as IVs, painkillers, and long-term care.
Talk to your healthcare professional if you or your family are suspected of being infected with the West Nile virus.

West Nile virus prevention:
Controlling mosquitoes, protecting against mosquito bites, and protecting against other mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis are major precautions. You should wear full-length gear to protect against biting. Individuals are responsible for the cleanliness of their homes, clearing drainage channels, clearing stagnant water, covering water storage vessels, eliminating and minimizing puddles and drainage where water collects, gardens and Garden debris must be removed regulated.

(The author is a consultant infection at Fortis Hospital in Banagatta Road, Bangalore. The expressed views are personal and do not reflect the official position or policies of The Financial Express.com.)