Israel Reports 31 Deaths Due To West Nile Fever; Complications Of the Mosquito-Borne Infection

Israel Reports 31 Deaths Due To West Nile Feve

Health authorities in Israel have said that the country has recorded 31 deaths from West Nile fever since an outbreak in the country in early May. The country confirmed 12 new fatalities, reported Xinhua news agency. The Ministry of Health in a statement said that there were 49 new infection cases. This brings the total number of cases in the country to 405 which is also close to the annual record high of 425 cases in the year 2000.

The ministry has said that the high number of cases is due to warmer and more humid weather in the region favourable to mosquitoes. The Israeli news website Ynet reported that most of the infected are elderly aged 70 and above, while children were also diagnosed with the virus.

Most human infections show no to mild cold symptoms, but occasionally, some people develop severe illnesses affecting the central nervous system. Earlier this week, Israel’s chief veterinary officer, Tamir Goshen, told the news website that 159 birds were found infected with the virus in the last two months, compared to only three infections among birds in the entire 2023.

West Nile Fever is a condition that is spread through mosquito bites and is caused by the West Nile Virus. Johns Hopkins Medicine says that the West Nile virus can infect humans, birds, mosquitoes, horses, and some other mammals.

West Nile virus usually doesn’t cause any symptoms or mild flu-like symptoms. However, in certain cases, when the condition becomes severe, it can cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and inflammation of the brain and its surrounding membrane (meningoencephalitis); all of which might turn out to be fatal.

Complications of West Nile Fever

Neurological Complications

West Nile fever can lead to neuroinvasive disease which affects the central nervous system. This can cause encephalitis, meningitis or acute flaccid paralysis. Encephalitis leads to inflammation of the brain, causing symptoms like confusion, seizures and muscle weakness. Meningitis is the inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord which leads to headaches, neck stiffness and fever. Acute flaccid paralysis is a lot like polio which causes sudden muscle weakness and loss of reflexes.

Chronic Fatigue and Muscle Weakness

Patients may have prolonged fatigue and muscle weakness even after the acute phase. This syndrome can last for weeks or months and it can impact one’s quality of life. It can result in reduced physical and mental stamina.

Eye Complications

West Nile virus can cause eye problems, such as chorioretinitis and optic neuritis. Chorioretinitis is the inflammation of the retina and choroid which leads to blurred vision, floaters and even vision loss. Optic neuritis on the other hand, is the inflammation of the optic nerve which causes pain and temporary vision loss. It can also potentially lead to permanent damage if left untreated.

Cardiovascular Problems

The virus can also affect the heart which leads to myocarditis. It is the inflammation of the heart muscle. Myocarditis can result in chest pain, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) and even heart failure in severe cases.

Renal Complications

West Nile virus can cause nephritis which is the inflammation of the kidneys. Although this is rare, it can lead to impaired kidney function, hematuria (blood in the urine) and proteinuria (protein in the urine).

(With inputs from agencies)