Kerala West Nile Fever Cases

The Kerala government has reported West Nile fever cases in several districts. The health department ordered all districts to be vigilant and issued directives to take mosquito control measures by stepping up pre-monsoon cleaning drives and surveillance activities.

About West Nile Fever:

1. Causative Agent:
   1. West Nile virus is a member of the flavivirus genus and belongs to the Japanese encephalitis antigenic complex.
   2. Birds are the natural hosts of WNV.
   3. The virus is commonly found in various regions, including Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and West Asia.
   4. It is named after the West Nile district of Uganda, where it was first identified in 1937.
2. Transmission:
   1. It is usually spread between people through the bite of an infected mosquito. When mosquitoes bite an infected bird, they acquire the virus.
   2. There is no evidence of direct transmission from one person to another.
   3. Rare cases of transmission through organ transplants have been reported.
3. Symptoms:
   1. Most people infected with WNV are asymptomatic, showing no symptoms.
   2. Symptomatic individuals may experience fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, nausea, vomiting, skin rash, and swollen lymph glands.
   3. Severe disease (neuroinvasive disease) can lead to symptoms such as headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, and paralysis.
4. Treatment:
   1. There is currently no specific medicine or vaccine available against WNV.
   2. Treatment involves supportive care, including hospitalisation, intravenous fluids, respiratory support, and prevention of secondary infections.

What are Viruses?

1. 1. Viruses are infectious microbes composed of a segment of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat.
   2. They require host cells to replicate and often kill the host cell in the process, causing damage to the host organism.
   3. Examples of viruses causing human diseases include AIDS, COVID-19, measles, and smallpox.

Conclusion:

West Nile fever is a disease that requires public awareness and preventive measures. Although there is no specific treatment, supportive care can help manage symptoms. Understanding the virus and its transmission is important to reduce the risk of infection and promote public health.

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