West Nile Fever in Kerala: Multiple cases of West Nile Fever have been reported in Kerala. The state health department has sounded an alert in the districts of Thrissur, Malappuram and Kozhikode after the cases of the vector-borne disease were reported.
According to a report by The Indian Express, one person died in Thrissur on Monday and six other confirmed cases were reported in Kozhikode and Malappuram in the last two days.
The Health Minister said that an alert was issued in these districts and directions were given to the health department officials to intensify vector-control measures in association with local self-government bodies.
What is West Nile Fever?
The West Nile Fever is caused by West Nile Virus (WNV) which is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), West Nile virus can cause a fatal neurological disease in humans.
However, approximately 80 percent of people who are infected will not show any symptoms. WNV is commonly found in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North America and West Asia.
West Nile Virus (WNV) is a member of the flavivirus genus and belongs to the Japanese encephalitis antigenic complex of the family Flaviviridae.
“West Nile fever is an infection by the West Nile virus, which is typically spread by Culex mosquitoes. Most people (8 out of 10) infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms. 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 similar to Dengue and most people recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months,” Dr Tushar Tayal, Lead Consultant, Department of Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram told Financial Express.com.
An extremely small percentage of the infected population may develop serious symptoms involving the brain. The treatment is primarily symptomatic and presently no vaccine is available, he said.
“Recently five cases have been reported in Kerela, out of which 4 have already recovered. There is no need to panic as the illness is generally mild but we can take proactive measures against mosquitoes,” Dr. Tayal said.
West Nile virus is the primary cause of arboviral encephalitis mainly neuroinvasive disease (e.g., meningitis, encephalitis, acute flaccid paralysis), Dr Ajay Agarwal,
Director, Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Noida said.
What are the symptoms of West Nile Fever?
Symptoms of West Nile fever include:
- Fever.
- Headache.
- Muscles aches.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Rash (usually concentrated around your chest and back).
- Swollen lymph nodes.
- Sore throat.
- Pain behind your eyes.
“Characterised by maculopapular rash concentrated on the trunk (especially in children) and the development of lymphadenopathy. Back pain, fatigue, headache, myalgia, retroorbital pain, sore throat, nausea and vomiting, and arthralgia (but not arthritis) are common accompaniments that may persist for several weeks. Only 1 in 50 patients develops neuroinvasive disease,” Dr. Agarwal told Financial Express.com.
How to prevent West Nile Fever?
According to Dr. Tayal, the following steps can help in preventing mosquito-borne diseases:
- preventing the accumulation of still water in houses and surroundings
- Spraying larvicidal insecticides and pesticides in stagnant water
- regular fogging activities in societies and colonies
- use of mosquito nets , aerosolised insecticides in rooms while sleeping
- Use of DEET or Picaridin based insect repellants which can be applied to the skin and clothes
- use of mesh doors and windows wherever practically possible
- Herbal plants which have insect-repellant actions may additionally be used
- burning of camphor and Dhoop may offer some additional benefit.
- apply ice or Aloe Vera gel on mosquito bites for symptomatic relief
“The risk of encephalitis, neurologic sequelae, and death is increased in elderly, diabetic, and hypertensive patients and patients with previous CNS insults. Immunosuppressed patients may have fulminant courses or develop persistent CNS infections. Virus transmission through both transplantation and blood transfusion. Transplacental transmission can also occur,” Dr. Agarwal said.
He also said that diagnosis rests upon the detection of IgM antibodies in serum or CSF.
“Treatment is supportive only, and ventilatory support may be required for severe neuroinvasive disease. Although an equine vaccine is available, prevention of West Nile virus infection in humans relies on avoidance of mosquito bites, vector control, and safe handling of potentially infected carcasses,” he added.
