A 47-year-old man from Kerala recently died due to West Nile virus. This is said to be the second death due to vector-borne disease in the state. After the death, the state health department has issued an alert. West Nile fever, spread by Culex species of mosquito, had earlier claimed a life in Kerala in 2019.
Livemint talks to Dr. Tripti Gilada about what West Nile Fever is and how it happens. Gilada is a Consultant Physician in Infectious Diseases at Masina Hospital, Mumbai.
What is West Nile Fever and how does it happen?
west nile fever West Nile is a viral disease caused by virus that is transmitted by Culex mosquitoes that become infected when they eat infected birds. It is not known to spread through contact with infected humans or animals.
West Nile Fever Transmission
It is mainly spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes.
How blue fever affects the human body – signs and symptoms
About 80% of infected people are asymptomatic. Others develop what is called West Nile fever (symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, body aches, nausea, rash and swollen glands) or severe West Nile disease occurring in less than 1% (causing encephalitis , meningitis, paralysis, and even death).
West Nile Fever Treatment
It usually becomes fatal in individuals with co-morbidities and in immune-compromised individuals. There is no specific treatment or vaccine.
West Nile Fever Prevention
- Like mosquito-borne diseases like dengue or Japanese encephalitis, mosquito control and protecting yourself from mosquito bites is the only preventive measure.
- full-length clothing that acts as a barrier to bite exposure, minimizes breeding sites, covers water storage containers, removes puddles and drains where water collects, Destroying unusable containers where water pools, and controlling waste in yards and gardens is important.
West Nile fever scare: Health officials on alert in Kerala
Amidst the fear of blue fever, Kerala The Health Department has issued instructions to the district officials to remain alert and take precautionary measures. State Health Minister Veena George said in a release, “The importance should be given to destroying mosquito breeding sites everywhere. Individuals should take responsibility and clean their residential areas. Clogged drains, stagnant water should be cleaned. should go.”