West Nile fever

West Nile Fever

File:West Nile Virus.jpg

West Nile Virus, the cause of West Nile Fever

West Nile Fever is a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by the West Nile virus. The virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. It was first identified in the West Nile district of Uganda in 1937.

Symptoms and Signs

Most people infected with West Nile virus do not have symptoms. About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Less than 1% of infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, neurological illness.

Transmission

Culex pipiens, a common carrier of West Nile Virus

The West Nile virus is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds, which circulate the virus in their blood for a few days. The virus eventually finds its way into the mosquito's salivary glands. During later blood meals (when mosquitoes bite), the virus may be injected into humans and animals, where it can multiply and possibly cause illness.

Prevention and Control

Prevention and control of West Nile Fever primarily involves reducing the mosquito population and avoiding bites. This can be achieved through the use of insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and staying indoors while mosquitoes are most active.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus infection. In severe cases, patients often need to be hospitalized to receive supportive treatment such as intravenous fluids, pain medication, and nursing care.

Epidemiology

West Nile Fever has been reported in all continents except Antarctica. It was first identified in the West Nile district of Uganda in 1937. The largest outbreaks occurred in Greece, Israel, Romania, Russia and the USA.

See Also

• Zoonosis
• Arbovirus