Mumbai, May 7: The state of Kerala has reported at least 10 cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) or West Nile Fever. The cases have been reported from Kerala's Kozhikode, Thrissur, and Malappuram districts. Health minister Veena George confirmed that there are cases of the viral infection in the state. She also said that all districts have been asked to be vigilant.

In a bid to stop the viral fever, Veena George has asked authorities to control mosquitoes by destroying their breeding grounds. She also requested that people showing signs of fever or other symptoms of the ENV infection seek treatment as soon as possible. It must be noted that West Nile Virus, or WNV fever, is usually transmitted to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes. West Nile Fever in Kerala: Cases of West Nile Virus Infection Reported From Three Districts, Health Minister Veena George Directs All Districts To Be Vigilant.

What is West Nile Fever?

As cases of West Nile Virus are reported, it is important to know what WNV is, its symptoms and how it spreads. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the West Nile virus is generally transmitted to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes. "West Nile Virus (WNV) is a member of the flavivirus genus and belongs to the Japanese encephalitis antigenic complex of the family Flaviviridae," the WHO states.

Signs and Symptoms of WNV

WNV is usually found in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and West Asia. The infection or viral fever spreads to humans and other animals after mosquitoes get infected when they feed on infected birds. Headache, fever, vomiting, muscle aches, dizziness, diarrhoea, and memory loss are common symptoms of West Nile Fever. However, most patients who get infected with WNV do not experience these symptoms.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), eight out of 10 people infected with viral fever do not develop symptoms and are likely to recover independently. The WHO also said that about 20 per cent of people infected with WNV develop West Nile fever. The West Nile Virus can be diagnosed using several different tests. These include IgG antibody seroconversion, IgM antibody capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), neutralisation assays and virus isolation by cell culture. Chinese Scientists Create Mutant Ebola Virus That Causes Horrific Symptoms, Killed Group of Hamsters: Report.

It must be noted there is no known vaccine for humans to cure WNV. In several cases of WNV, the patients will be hospitalised and kept under medical care. They will be administered supportive treatment, including intravenous fluids and pain medication. Other ways to reduce the spread of the infection are by creating awareness about the risk factors of WNV and by educating people about the steps they can take to reduce their exposure to the virus.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 07, 2024 06:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).