Written by T Canchola
A mosquito bite is the most common thing to expect during the hot, humid summer and fall seasons. Most people don't think twice about an accidental mosquito bite, or its itchiness. Many people are aware of mosquito borne disease, but fail to take sufficient care to prevent them. Although rare, these mosquito borne diseases can be hard hitting to those at risk. One of them is making a comeback: West Nile Virus (WNV).
What is it?
West Nile is a disease caused by a virus of single stranded RNA, originating from eastern Africa when discovered in 1937. It is most commonly spread through being bitten by an infected mosquito. It is rarely transmitted from person to person.
This disease is rare, but deadly, and has had multiple outbreaks since its discovery, its highest contaminate rate in the summer months. It is currently unknown how the virus made its way to the United States.
What are the symptoms?
The disease may fester in an infected person’s body before any symptoms occur. Typically signs appear within 6 days. However, it may take up to 14 or more days for the signs to show, if at all. Symptoms include:
Headache
Fever
Vomiting
Aching body
Rash (often reported to be short lived)
Often at times the disease may be asymptomatic.
What are the dangers of WNV?
Although this disease can be extremely unpleasant and upsetting if contracted, most cases will not be severe.
The mortality rate of those with severe illness from the virus is around 3-15%. Those at risk mainly include elderly and immunocompromised people. When the disease turns deadly, however, is when the disease reaches the brain, at which it becomes a neuroinvasive disease. People in this situation are prone to other illnesses such as meningitis or encephalitis, which are deadly and serious diseases that require immediate medical attention and hospitalization.
Dr. Flavia Riccardo on WNV, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control had this to say about the disease: “WNV infections are endemic to southern Europe and its neighboring countries with several human cases occurring each year. In recent years, recurring outbreaks have caused steep increases in the number of observed infections, including severe cases and deaths. Italy experienced its worst WNV epidemic to date in 2022. In addition, the number of newly affected areas in Europe is increasing.”
How do you prevent WNV?
Unfortunately, as of now there is no such existing treatment or vaccine for West Nile Virus before someone is infected. However, the best way to prevent West Nile is to prevent mosquito bites in the first place. The best ways you can prevent this by taking precautions such as:
Using skin safe, and efficient insect repellents
Insect repellent candles
Wear loose clothes, long sleeves and pants
Preventing the breeding of mosquitoes by not letting sitting water accumulate(bird baths, pools, toys, etc)
Taking these precautions and being aware of the risk, can keep you all the more safe during these months.
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