Chinmaya IAS Academy – Current Affairs Chinmaya IAS Academy – Current Affairs
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West Nile fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease that can infect humans, birds, horses, and other mammals. The virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Transmission
The main way West Nile virus is transmitted is through the bite of an infected mosquito. Culex mosquitoes are the main vectors for transmission. These mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds, the primary reservoir of the virus. Humans and other mammals are considered dead-end hosts, meaning they cannot transmit the virus to other mosquitoes.
There are other rare ways that West Nile virus can be transmitted, including:
- Organ transplantation or blood transfusion from an infected person
- During pregnancy from an infected mother to her baby
- Exposure to infected tissue or fluids in a laboratory setting
Symptoms
Most people infected with West Nile virus (around 80%) will not experience any symptoms. For those who do develop symptoms, they can range from mild to severe.
Mild symptoms (lasting a few days to weeks) can include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Body aches
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Skin rash
- Swollen lymph glands
People at higher risk of developing severe illness include:
- Older adults (over 60 years old)
- People with weakened immune systems
Prevention
There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus infection. Treatment for most people is supportive and includes rest, fluids, and pain medication. However, there are steps that can be taken to prevent infection:
- Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and staying indoors during peak mosquito hours (dusk and dawn)
- Eliminate mosquito breeding grounds around your home by getting rid of standing water
Prevalence in India
WNV was first detected in India in Mumbai in 1952, when antibodies against the virus were found in humans. However, there have been no large outbreaks of WNV reported in India.
