An infectious disease - West Nile virus

 


The west nile virus is typically spread by the infected mosquitoes. This type of west nile virus can infect humans, birds, mosquitoes, horses, and other types of mammals. In some rare cases, west nile virus can spread in transfusion blood, organ transplantation or through the placenta to a fetus.


West Nile virus occurs in some seasonal months like late summer and early fall zones. In southern climates, it can occur year - round. Generally, West nile virus infection causes very mild symptoms like flu-like symptoms but this virus can also causes life-threatening illnesses like :


  • Encephalitis ( brain inflammation)

  • Meningitis (spinal cord inflammation and inflammation of the lining of the brian)

  • Meningoencephalitis (inflammation on surrounding membrane of brain)


Causes


West Nile virus infection caused by microscopic germs (called a virus) which makes you sick. Generally west nile virus can spread to humans through the bites of infected female mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can get the West Nile virus infection when they bite an infected bird. The most common birds which are linked to the west nile virus are crows and jays. But the virus can also affect other bird species, about 110 types.


Generally, humans cannot spread the West Nile virus. But in a few cases it has spread through organ transplantation. Healthcare professionals think that organ donors will acquire the virus through blood transfusions. Healthcare providers must screen the blood for the virus. The risk of West Nile virus from blood is lower than the risk of not screening a blood for transfusion.


Symptoms


People who are infected with west nile virus will have only mild symptoms like flu-like symptoms which lasts a few days. Typically, symptoms will appear within 3 to 14 days of west nile virus infection.


People who are infected with west nile virus about 20% of people will develop west nile fever. The most common West nile fever symptoms are:


  • Fever

  • Headache

  • Body aches

  • Skin rash on trunk of body

  • Swollen lymph glands


The most severe form of west nile virus usually affects older adults. The severe form usually occurs when the virus crosses the blood brain barrier and it can cause:


  • Headache

  • High fever

  • Neck stiffness

  • Stupor (a mental state of impaired consciousness, lethargic, and reduced reactivity to outside stimuli)

  • Disorientation

  • Coma

  • Tremors

  • Convulsions

  • Muscle weakness

  • Paralysis



Usually, symptoms of West Nile virus might look like other health conditions or problems. You must consult your healthcare physicians for a diagnosis to confirm the virus infection.


Risk factors


Anyone can get the West Nile virus through the bites of infected mosquitoes. But less than one percent of people with West Nile virus can develop severe or life-threatening symptoms.


One of the most important risk factors for developing severe symptoms from a west nile infection is Age. Particularly, if you are over the age of 60, the older you are, the more likely you are facing harsher symptoms.


Health conditions or problems which can increase the risk of severe symptoms are:


  • kidney conditions

  • diabetes

  • hypertension

  • cancer

  • impaired immune system


Transmission


After being bitten by a mosquito with the virus, you are more likely to get west nile virus from a mosquito. When the infected mosquitoes bites you or an animal, birds, they transmit the west nile virus through their saliva.


In a few rare cases, Virus can be spread:


  • during pregnancy, from mother to baby and through breastfeeding

  • In a blood transfusion

  • During organ transplantation or during surgery



Diagnosis


Usually the symptoms of West Nile virus infection are the same as other viral infections. But on a physical examination, there may be no specific findings. People with West Nile virus infection about one half of the people might have symptoms like rashes.


Some of the test for West Nile Virus infection suggested by doctor which includes:


  • Blood sample test or a spinal tap for checking the antibodies against the virus

  • Head CT scan

  • Head MRI scan


Treatment


Your healthcare physicians will identify the best treatment based on:


  • How age you are

  • Your overall health conditions and your medical history

  • How sick you are

  • How you can handle the medications, procedures, or therapies

  • How long the condition last

  • Your preference or opinions

But there is no specific treatment for West Nile virus related diseases. If the people gets more severe form of west nile virus diseases, are west nile virus encephalitis or meningitis, treatment includes intensive supportive therapy, are:


  • Hospitalization

  • Intravenous (IV) fluids

  • Breathing support (ventilator)

  • To prevent from other infections like pneumonia or urinary tract infections

  • Nursing care


Complications


Typically, this west nile virus causes mild, flu-like symptoms. But in rare cases, the virus can cause life-threatening health problems like 


  • Encephalitis ( brain inflammation)

  • Meningitis (spinal cord inflammation and inflammation of the lining of the brian)

  • Meningoencephalitis (inflammation on surrounding membrane of brain)



Prevention


There is no vaccine for West Nile Virus. One of the best ways of preventing West Nile virus is to protect you from Mosquito bites.

You can:


  • Avoid high-risk times: You must stay inside or be extra careful for when the mosquitoes are most active, particularly in the time of early morning and also the time of sun sets.

  • Use insect repellent:  Before going outdoors, spray an effective insect repellent on both exposed skins and clothes. Ingredients proven safe and effective include DEET,picaridin,IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol and 2-undecanone.

  • Cover skin: You must wear lightweight and light-coloured clothes, like pants, long-sleeved shirts, which covers your body when you’re outdoors.

  • Drain standing water: You must empty and clean areas that may collect water.places like birdbath or clogged rain gutters in which where the mosquitoes can breed

  • Keep mosquitoes outside: You must Keep all doors and windows closed or screened to keep mosquitoes from entering your home.

  • Don’t touch dead birds:Unfortunately you can get west nile virus infection from a dead bird. You should wear gloves if you need to contact any dead animal.


Frequently Asked Questions


Q1. What are 3 signs of West Nile virus?

Ans: About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. 


Q2. Who is most at risk for West Nile virus?

Ans: Severe illness can occur in people of any age; however, people over 60 years of age are at greater risk. 


Q3. How can we prevent West Nile?

Ans: There is no vaccine to prevent WNV infection. The best way to prevent West Nile is to protect yourself from mosquito bites.


Q4. Can humans spread West Nile?

Ans: West Nile virus is rarely transmitted from one human to another.


Q5. How long does West Nile last?

Ans: In mild cases of West Nile, symptoms usually last for 3 to 6 days, and you can recover at home. If you get a more severe case of West Nile, symptoms can last for weeks or months.

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