West Nile fever cases in Kerala
Three districts in Kerala have had cases of West Nile fever recorded by the health department. The state government has given orders for all districts to increase their level of vigilance and to conduct mosquito control measures, such as increasing cleaning campaigns and surveillance efforts prior to the monsoon.
On Tuesday, May 6, five cases of vector-borne illness were detected in Kozhikode’s northern district, according to health officials.
West Nile fever is spreading rapidly in Kerala. The infection of this fever occurs through mosquito bites. But its symptoms are identified in 80 percent of the cases. Its cases have been reported in three cities of the state. Kerala Health Department has taken this matter… pic.twitter.com/tzeQwxJS6T
— POWER CORRIDORS (@power_corridors) May 8, 2024
West Nile fever cases have also been reported from the districts of Malappuram and Thrissur.
Kozhikode district collector Snehil Kumar Singh said, “Of the five cases reported so far in the district, four have recovered, and one is currently under treatment in the government medical college hospital,” reported HT.
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Amid these developments, West Nile viral infection cases have been reported in the state, according to a statement released by State Health Minister Veena George. She asked all the district officials to exercise caution. In order to eradicate mosquito breeding areas, the authorities issued an order.
What is West Nile fever?
Usually transmitted by mosquitoes, the West Nile virus causes West Nile fever. About 80% of infections cause little to no symptoms in the patient.
Mosquitoes that contract the West Nile virus typically transmit it to humans after feeding on infected birds, which are frequently carriers of the infection.
Other than through blood transfusions, organ transplants, or mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, birth, or nursing, the virus does not travel directly between individuals.
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Mosquitoes belonging to the Culex species are blamed for the viral fever. People who exhibit fever or other West Nile infection symptoms are advised to get medical attention as once
Uganda was the first country to detect West Nile virus infection in 1937. A six-year-old Malappuram youngster who contracted a West Nile virus in 2019 passed away as a result of a vector-borne illness.
It was initially detected in Kerala in 2011. A 47-year-old man from the Thrissur district passed away from a West Nile viral infection later in 2022. Although the majority of West Nile virus infections may not cause any symptoms, the virus can kill humans by causing a neurological illness.
Treatment of West Nile fever
There isn’t any human vaccine for West Nile fever. Preventing mosquito bites is the most effective method of lowering the risk of infection. Eliminating standing water in areas like old tires, buckets, gutters, and swimming pools will help lower mosquito populations.
Mosquito repellant, window screens, and mosquito nets lessen the chance of getting bitten when mosquitoes are unavoidable. The illness has no known treatment, however painkillers may lessen symptoms.
