West Nile fever claims two lives in Ernakulam; Health wing issues advisory

The notoriously asymptomatic viral infection, the West Nile fever, has claimed two lives in Kerala's Ernakulam district this year. The disease, primarily transmitted through mosquitoes, blood transfusions, organ transplants and breast milk, does not spread through casual contact. Regardless, the health department has issued an advisory for the public. It is caused by a flavivirus found in migratory birds, which in turn infects mosquitoes. The best way to protect yourself from the disease is to avoid mosquito bites.

Symptoms of West Nile fever
The disease does not show any symptoms in 80 per cent of the people. However, in those who are shown, they appear within six days after being bitten by infected mosquitoes, according to the Centres for Disease Control (CDC). If your immune system is weak, symptoms can take even longer to appear.

Here are the signs the disease shows in some people:
a) Body aches
b) Headache
c) Joint pains
d) Vomiting
e) Diarrhoea
f) Rash
g) Fatigue
h) Muscle weakness
i) Tremors
j) Neck stiffness
h) High fever

Health advisory
The health department's advisory says that severe West Nile virus infection can affect the nervous system and lead to conditions such as encephalitis and meningitis. Encephalitis is a neurological condition characterised by acute inflammation of the brain. Meningitis is a condition in which the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord become inflamed. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, or non-infectious conditions. People experiencing symptoms have been advised to seek immediate medical attention.

"Elderly persons, those with low immunity, individuals with underlying illnesses, pregnant women, and children have been identified as high-risk groups requiring special attention. Culex mosquitoes, which breed in stagnant and polluted water bodies, drainage channels, septic tanks, marshy areas, paddy fields, and overgrown vegetation, are the primary carriers of the disease," the statement said. Mosquitoes can also breed in discarded tyres, containers, and other places where water accumulates, it added.

Here are a few precautions the public should take:
a) Eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites
b) Prevent water stagnation
c) Cover water storage containers
d) Clean water tanks regularly
d) Use mosquito nets
d) Install screens on doors and windows
e) Keep surroundings clean
f) Remove overgrown vegetation

What to wear for protection
a) Wear light-coloured clothes that cover the arms and legs, especially during early morning and evening hours when mosquito activity is high.
b) Use mosquito repellents.

Treatment
According to the CDC, there are no medicines to treat West Nile fever, but patients with mild symptoms can manage it with over-the-counter medication. They should also rest well and stay hydrated. If the illness is severe, hospitalisation is required with supportive treatment like intravenous fluids and pain medication.
(With PTI inputs)