In the recent headlines, Russia has issued warnings of a potential surge in West Nile Virus (WNV) infections. The expected increase is due to the favourable breeding conditions for mosquitoes influenced by the mild temperatures and excessive rainfall this autumn.
About West Nile Virus
WNV is part of the flavivirus genus and falls under the category of the Japanese encephalitis antigenic complex from the Flaviviridae family. This virus is usually found across several major continents, including Africa, Europe, North America, the Middle East, and West Asia. Certain groups of individuals including older people, children, and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of infection.
The Origin of West Nile Virus
The first discovery of the WNV happened in Uganda’s West Nile district in 1937, where it was isolated in a woman. Then, in 1953, WNV was identified in birds living in the Nile delta region. Before 1997, there was no belief that WNV could be pathogenic for birds. However, human infections linked to WNV have been reported in numerous countries, spanning over half a century.
Transmission of West Nile Virus
The transmission of WNV occurs through the bite of an infected Culex mosquito, serving as an infectious disease spreading from birds to humans. In some severe cases, WNV can lead to fatal neurological disease in humans. As highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 20% of reported cases develop into West Nile fever. Medical professionals categorize WNV among the dangerous group of viruses, sharing relations with Zika, Dengue, and Yellow Fever viruses.
Symptoms Indicative of West Nile Virus
Typically, most infected individuals either show no symptoms or experience mild ones. These can include fever, headache, body aches, skin rash, and swollen lymph glands. These symptoms can persist from a few days to several weeks but tend to disappear independently. However, if the WNV infiltrates the brain, it could result in life-threatening conditions, causing inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or inflammation of the tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).
Treatment for West Nile Virus
Presently, no specific vaccines or treatments exist for addressing human WNV disease. The most effective method of prevention lies in avoiding mosquito bites altogether. In the case of patients with neuro-invasive West Nile virus, supportive treatment is usually recommended. This can involve hospitalization, administration of intravenous fluids, providing respiratory support, and vigilance against any secondary infections.
The information provided here has been sourced from IE.
