According to recent news, a seven-year-old boy in Kerala’s Malappuram district, who was tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV), died in Kozhikode on Monday. This virus can cause neurological disease and death in people and is common in Europe, the Middle East. Now it has started spreading its leg in India as well. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a professional doctor because this is a serious problem for infants and also adults.

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What is the West Nile Virus?

West Nile Virus (WNV) is an infectious disease which is spread by infected mosquitoes. It spreads from birds to humans with the bite of an infected Culex mosquito.

What are the Symptoms of the West Nile Virus in Humans?

There are a few symptoms of West Nile virus:

1. Fever

2. Headache

3. Body aches

4. Skin rash

5. Swollen lymph glands

6. Diarrhea

7. Fatigue

Serious symptoms like:

1. High fever

2. Severe headache

3. Stiff neck

4. Disorientation or confusion

5. Stupor or coma

6. Tremors or muscle jerking

7. Seizures

8. Partial paralysis or muscle weakness

What are the Causes of the West Nile Virus?

Usually, the West Nile Virus spreads to humans and animals via infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes easily become infected when they feed on infected birds. You cannot get infected from normal contact with an infected person or animal.

Most West Nile virus infections happen during warm weather when mosquitos are active. The incubation period is between when you’re bitten by an infected mosquito and the arrival of signs and symptoms of the illness ranges from 2 to 14 days.

What are the Risk Factors of the West Nile Virus?

There are some risk factors of the West Nile Virus:

1. Age:

Being older puts you at higher risk but this virus is more common in children.

2. Certain medical conditions:

Confirmed diseases, like- cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease, increase the risk.

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How is West Nile Virus Prevented?

There are some preventions of West Nile virus:

1. Use insect repellents ( Mosquito spray ) when you go outdoors.

2. Wear long sleeves and pants at dusk and dawn when many mosquitoes are most active.

3. Avoid unnecessary outdoor activity when mosquitoes are most prevalent, like – at dawn, dusk and early evening.

4. When outside, cover your infant’s stroller or playpen with mosquito netting.

How do you Treat West Nile Virus?

Most of the people recover from West Nile Virus without treatment. Some severe cases require supportive therapy in a hospital with intravenous fluids and pain medication.

For sensitive cases, over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease mild headaches and muscle aches. Use caution when giving aspirin to children or teenagers. Children and teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should never take aspirin.

Conclusion:

Here we have discussed the West Nile Virus and its symptoms, causes, risk factors, prevention, and the treatment. This virus is very dangerous, it’s a life-threatening disease which is more common in infants and older age group. The best way to cure this is if you ever start feeling any of the above symptoms so, immediately consult a doctor as soon as possible. Take proper medications and treatment it will help to save your life.

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