Health officials are warning the public to take extra precautions against mosquitoes after the first case of West Nile virus has been reported in serious condition. The patient is currently under intensive care at a local hospital.

What is West Nile Virus?

West Nile Virus is a virus that is primarily spread by mosquitoes.

People who get infected with the virus have no symptoms at all, however, there are some cases where people can experience mild symptoms like fever, headaches, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands.

The virus can cause severe complications such as neurological disorders and death in people who have weak immune systems such as elderly people, young children, and those who have chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease.

How Does the Virus Spread?

West Nile Virus is primarily transmitted by the Culex mosquito and it is usually transmitted during summertime.

Mosquitoes usually suck blood from people or animals that are infected with the virus and pass the virus to other people or animals by biting them.

There are no known cases of direct human-to-human transmission of West Nile Virus. However, people can get infected by the virus through blood transfusions, organ transplantations, and breastfeeding.

Preventing West Nile Virus

To prevent the West Nile Virus, the best thing to do is to avoid getting mosquito bites.

This can be done by wearing long-sleeved and light-colored clothes when going outdoors and by using insect repellents that contain DEET, Picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil.

It is best to avoid outdoor activities during times when mosquitoes are most active, such as during dawn, dusk, or early evening. Homes should have screens on doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering indoors.

Eliminating stagnant water around homes and businesses is also important to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.

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Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water, therefore it is important to empty water from flower pots, buckets, old tires, and other containers that collect water.

Symptoms of West Nile Virus

Symptoms of West Nile Virus can range from mild to severe. Most people who get infected do not have any symptoms at all. Some people have mild symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands.

In rare cases, the virus can cause severe symptoms such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), meningitis (inflammation of the spinal cord), and even death.

People who have weak immune systems such as the elderly, young children, and those with chronic medical conditions are at the highest risk of developing severe symptoms.

Treatment for West Nile Virus

There is no specific treatment for West Nile Virus. People with mild symptoms usually recover on their own within a week or two. Over-the-counter medications can be taken to relieve symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches.

People who have severe symptoms may need to be hospitalized and receive supportive care such as intravenous fluids, pain relief medications, and sometimes mechanical ventilation.

Conclusion

West Nile Virus is a serious disease that can cause severe complications such as neurological disorders and death. It is important to take extra precautions against mosquitoes to prevent getting infected with the virus.

Wearing long-sleeved and light-colored clothes, using insect repellents, and eliminating stagnant water around homes and businesses can help prevent mosquito bites.

If you experience symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, and swollen lymph glands, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

Most people recover from the virus with no complications, however, those with weak immune systems are at the highest risk of developing severe symptoms.