The West Nile Virus (WNV) is an infection transmitted by mosquitoes that can cause illness in people, and is transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes, mostly species of Culex.
Most people infected with the virus do not develop any symptoms. Those who do usually have fever, headache, body aches, nausea, skin rash, or swollen lymph nodes. However, when West Nile virus affects the central nervous system, the results can be fatal.
Symptoms of West Nile Virus (WNV)
West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne disease that causes fever, encephalitis, or meningitis. It is a virus that causes RNA single-stranded from the Flaviviridae family, which also includes other familiar diseases such as yellow fever and Zika. The virus is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, most commonly Culex species. It can also be transmitted through blood transfusions, organ transplants, and from mother to child during pregnancy or breastfeeding, but this is less common.
Most people who become infected with the virus will not develop symptoms, but the virus can cause severe illness in people over 60 and those with weakened immune systems. In severe cases, the infection can lead to a life-threatening inflammation of the brain or spinal cord called encephalitis. About 1 in 10 people who develop this condition die.
The symptoms of encephalitis may include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, seizures, and weakness of arms or legs. Those who have these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.
If a person does not recover from these symptoms, you need to be hospitalized to receive treatment. The patient will receive fluids and medications to help reduce the inflammation of the brain, such as corticosteroids and anticonvulsants. Will also be monitored closely and given medications to control the blood pressure and heart rate.
Some children who develop encephalitis virus require care more intensive. Depending on the severity of the case, it is possible that a doctor may need to use a lumbar puncture, a specialized procedure in which fluid is taken out of the column. You can also use a ct scan, an eeg, and an mri scan to diagnose the condition.
Although there is no cure for the disease, the counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen, can help with the headache, and muscle aches.
Taking steps to prevent mosquito bites will also help. It's best to stay indoors in the morning and evening, when mosquitoes are most active. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants can help protect your skin, as can applying insect repellent to exposed areas of your body.
Transmission of West Nile Virus (WNV)
West Nile virus (WNV) is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes acquire WNV by feeding on infected birds, usually crows and jays. In nature, WNV alternates between birds and mosquitoes (particularly Culex species), and most infections in humans and horses occur during the summer months when the virus is most active.
The virus has been present in Africa, Europe, the Middle East and western Asia for decades and was first introduced in the united States in 1999. During the outbreak that followed, it spread rapidly to cities, towns and rural areas along the main migratory routes of birds. .
While West Nile virus (WNV) can infect all humans, it is most serious for people over 60 years of age and those with certain medical conditions, such as cancer or blood disorders. Advanced symptoms of the disease, such as encephalitis and meningitis, can be life-threatening.
Symptoms of WNV infection in horses are similar to those of humans (as is the case with the rabies virus in humans and animals The symptoms are also similar), but most infected horses show no signs or symptoms. In some cases, infected horses are at risk of developing neurological complications, including paralysis and death.
There is a vaccine available for horses to prevent the most severe forms of the disease, West Nile Virus, WNV, but is not yet available to the people.
Among the most commonly used methods to prevent transmission of the virus are reducing the source of larvae and spraying for adult mosquitoes, which feed on humans and animals. Water sources where mosquitoes breed include standing water in dishes, barrels and cans, flower pots, cans, gutters, discarded tires, and other containers. Proper disposal of trash also helps reduce mosquito breeding and resting sites.
Prevention of West Nile Virus (WNV)
The CDC recommends that all use aerosol sprays, wipes, and lotions for mosquitoes containing repellents registered by the Environmental Protection Agency, such as DEET, picaridin or IR3535, when you're outdoors.
These products can be found at most grocery stores and pharmacies. Dressing yourself and your family in long sleeves and pants can also help prevent mosquito bites. Make sure windows and doors have tight-fitting, well-maintained screens. Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
Keep pets inside and on the case of the dogs, especially the puppies of age prematurely because they can be exposed to the moquitos and other serious illnesses such as canine distemper.
Pets can carry the virus and in some cases can become seriously ill from the disease. The virus can also be transmitted to horses through mosquitoes and in rare cases causes illness in these animals that can lead to death.
Health departments and local governments monitor mosquito populations to control the spread of the virus, investigate reports of West Nile Virus (WNV) infections in residents, and educate communities about the risk of infection and ways to protect themselves from bites. They use EPA-registered products to kill mosquito larvae in standing water bodies that cannot be drained, and spray adults in areas with high mosquito activity and multiple samples of mosquitoes that test positive for WNV.
You can help the DHEC to track the presence of the virus by sending jays blue, crows and sparrows dead domestic, since usually the virus tends to be deadly for these species (but not as deadly as the newcastle disease in birds), and their analysis can help to identify and remediate a potential outbreak of the virus in your locality.
Check out the Washington Monitoring Network to view mosquito, bird and mammal test results by county. The website allows users to view data in table, graph and map format, and also export the information for their own use.
Treatment of West Nile Virus (WNV)
There is no vaccine or medicine to prevent or treat West Nile Virus (WNV). Most people infected with the virus only develop fever and sometimes headache, body aches, and joint pain.
Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen may help reduce pain. Hospitalization is often needed for those with severe symptoms, as those who develop encephalitis or meningitis are at higher risk for serious health problems such as brain damage and paralysis. Keep in mind that people with mild symptoms recover on their own.
Symptoms of West Nile virus infection may begin gradually and get worse over time. If you develop fever, headache, stiffness or weakness in your neck, or have other symptoms, see your doctor right away. The health care provider will ask you questions about where you've been, what symptoms you have, and when they started. The doctor will also ask you if you've had any recent contact with mosquitoes.
Your doctor will take a sample of blood or spinal fluid (CSF) to test for the presence of WNV. He or she may also order a spinal tap to test the spinal fluid around your brain and spinal cord. This procedure involves inserting a needle into your spine and taking a sample of fluid to check for signs of infection, such as a high white blood cell count. An MRI or other scans may also be used to check for inflammation or swelling of your brain and spinal cord.
In most cases, your doctor will order a blood test to look for antibodies to the WNV virus. These antibodies indicate that you have been infected.
Most people with a severe case of West Nile virus (WNV) will need to be hospitalized for supportive care, such as intravenous fluids and pain medication. There are no medications to treat the virus itself, but antiviral drugs can slow the progression of the disease.
People with milder symptoms usually recover on their own, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months. People over 60 and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing more severe symptoms of the disease, as are people who have received blood transfusions or organ transplants.
