Live Life Team
The West Nile Virus or simply WNV is a type of viral disorder that is spread about by mosquitoes, belonging to Flaviviridae family. The condition is generally not very severe, and is not serious. Even upon being bitten by a mosquito one may not show the symptoms of having the condition. However in certain cases, the bite can lead to brain inflammation or encephalitis, spinal cord inflammation or myelitis, or even meningitis.
The virus is spread mainly by bites from infected mosquitoes. The mosquitoes get infected by feeding on birds that carry the virus, and the virus is then passed on to the humans and animals that they bite. The disease is also spread via organ transplants, or by transfusion of blood, or from a pregnant mother to the child.
Symptoms of West Nile Virus
In majority of the cases, this virus does not show any symptoms, while in some they turn up very mild symptoms. These can be flu-like signs like fever, back ache, headache, loss of appetite, muscle ache, sore throat, vomiting, nausea, pain in the abdomen, and also diarrhoea. The symptoms can be seen around 3 to 14 days after the bite, and may at times go on for 3 to 6 days.
If the case is severe, the symptoms may also include brain damage, nervous system damage, meningitis etc, with high temperature, disorientation, stiff neck and muscles, tremors, convulsions, partial paralysis or even coma.
Diagnosing West Nile Virus
Once you determine that you might have this condition, or if you are showing these symptoms, you must immediately consult a doctor to get it checked up for severity.
After this is done, the doctor will check with your medical background, like if you have travelled, been bitten by any mosquitoes and the kind. Then a blood test is carried out to check for antibodies. If the results indicate a severe case, a lumbar puncture may be performed to check for antibodies again and to see for infections in the spinal fluid around the spinal cord and the brain. This procedure is done to see for conditions like meningitis. Lastly, an MRI scan may also be conducted to check for brain swellings.
Treating West Nile Virus
Normally the WNV condition gets cured automatically in a few days or few weeks, and no special treatment is needed. But for severe cases, one needs to get to a hospital where supportive procedures will be carried out like intravenous fluids, breathing help if needed and nursing facilities.
When the symptoms are very slight, a complete recovery can be made, leaving no kind of side-effects. But if they get serious and turn into meningitis or encephalitis, the chances of complete recovery are very less. It can sometimes even lead to brain damage permanently and eventually to death.
Reduce risks
The best way to take precautions is to be completely aware about your surroundings wherever you go to. There is no vaccine for this condition as yet, but you can ensure you are covered by insurance to meet costs of treatment if required.
