West Nile Virus: What you need to know

INTRODUCTION:

West Nile virus (WNV) is a Mosquito-Borne disease that can cause a range of symptoms from mild to severe in humans and animals. 

It is mainly transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito, but it can also be spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, breast milk, and contact with infected animals. 

In this blog post, We will discuss what WNV is? 

How it affect the body? 

How to prevent and treat it? 

what to do if you suspect you have it.

 What is West Nile Virus?

WNV is a member of the flavivirus genus, which also includes Zika virus, dengue virus, and yellow fever virus.

 It was first isolated in a woman in the West Nile district of Uganda in 1937 and since then it has been found in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and North America. 

WNV is maintained in nature in a cycle involving transmission between birds and mosquitoes. 

Birds are the natural hosts of WNV, and some species can develop high levels of the virus in their blood making them more infectious to mosquitoes. 

Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds, and then they can transmit the virus to other birds, animals, or humans.

How Does West Nile Virus Affect the Body?

WNV can cause different types of illness depending on the person's immune system and the strain of the virus. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 80% of people who are infected with WNV do not develop any symptoms. 

About 20% of people who are infected develop mild symptoms, such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. 

These symptoms usually last for a few days or weeks and are often mistaken for the flu. 

This form of WNV infection is called West Nile fever.

About 1 out of 150 people who are infected develop severe symptoms, such as high fever, stiff neck, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, or paralysis.

 These symptoms may last for several weeks or months and may cause permanent neurological damage or death. 

This form of WNV infection is called West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND), which includes meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), or acute flaccid paralysis (a condition that causes sudden weakness or paralysis of one or more limbs).

WNV can also affect animals, especially horses. 

Horses are more susceptible to WNV than humans and can develop severe neurological symptoms similar to those seen in humans. 

About 30% of horses that develop WNND die or have to be euthanized. 

There are vaccines available for horses to prevent WNV infection but there are no vaccines or specific treatments for humans yet.

How Can West Nile Virus be Prevented?

The best way to prevent WNV infection is to avoid mosquito bites. Mosquitoes that carry WNV are most active from dusk to dawn, so it is important to limit outdoor activities during these hours or wear protective clothing and use insect repellent. 

Insect repellents that contain DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 (ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate) or oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane-3,8-diol) are effective against mosquitoes. 

Follow the instructions on the label carefully and apply repellent only on exposed skin or clothing. 

Do not spray repellent on cuts, wounds, or irritated skin. Do not spray repellent directly on your face; spray it on your hands first and then rub it on your face. 

Avoid getting repellent in your eyes or mouth. Wash your hands after applying repellent and wash off repellent with soap and water when you return indoors.

Another way to prevent WNV infection is to reduce mosquito breeding sites around your home and community. 

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water so it is important to eliminate any sources of stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed. 

Some Examples Are:

1. - Empty and clean birdbaths and pet water bowls at least once a week.
2. - Dispose of any containers that can hold water, such as cans, bottles, tires, buckets, or pots.
3. - Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers or trash cans to prevent water accumulation.
4. - Clear clogged gutters and drains to allow water to flow freely.
5. - Change the water in outdoor fountains or pools regularly.
6. - Cover rain barrels or cisterns with tight-fitting lids or screens.
7. - Repair any leaks in outdoor faucets or pipes.

You can also help prevent WNV infection by reporting dead birds to your local health department or wildlife agency. 

Dead birds may be a sign of WNV activity in your area and can help authorities monitor the spread of the virus. 

Do not touch or handle dead birds with your bare hands; use gloves or a shovel to dispose of them.

How is West Nile Virus Diagnosed and Treated?

If you develop symptoms of WNV infection, especially severe ones you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. 

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, medical history, and possible exposure to mosquitoes or infected animals. 

Your doctor may also order blood tests or spinal fluid tests to confirm the diagnosis of WNV infection. There is no specific treatment for WNV infection the treatment is mainly supportive and depends on the severity of the symptoms. 

Mild symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers, fever reducers, and fluids. 

Severe symptoms may require hospitalization, intravenous fluids, respiratory support, and medications to reduce swelling in the brain or prevent seizures²³.

The prognosis for WNV infection varies depending on the person's age, health status, and immune system. Most people who develop mild symptoms recover completely within a few weeks. 

Some people who develop severe symptoms may have long-term complications, such as memory loss, cognitive impairment, muscle weakness, or depression. 

The mortality rate for WNND is about 10%, and it is higher among older adults and people with underlying medical conditions.

Conclusion:

West Nile virus is a serious disease  that can affect anyone who is exposed to infected mosquitoes. It can cause mild to severe symptoms, and in some cases it can be fatal. 

The best way to prevent WNV infection is to avoid mosquito bites and eliminate mosquito breeding sites. 

If you develop symptoms of WNV infection, seek medical attention as soon as possible. 

There is no vaccine or specific treatment for WNV infection, but supportive care can help reduce the risk of complications and improve the outcome.