Over One-Third Of States In The US Have Reported The West Nile Virus; Check Symptoms And Complications

Over One-Third Of States In The US Have Reported The West Nile Virus

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed nine human cases of the West Nile Virus in at least seven states which include Arizona, Arkansas, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi and Tennessee. Reports say that at least 18 states have detected the virus this year in humans, mosquitoes, birds or other animals.

Of the nine cases, five of them were neuroinvasive which means that people developed a severe condition wherein there was inflammation of the brain or the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The inflammation can cause vision loss, paralysis and disorientation and can also lead to coma. In severe cases, it might also turn out to be fatal.

Kate Fowlie, a press officer for the CDC, said in a statement, “We are seeing West Nile virus (WNV) activity a little earlier this year so it’s really important that everyone take steps to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites.

“WNV tends to be unpredictable and varies from year to year so we don’t know specifically how this year will be compared to others.”

Reports suggest that the CDC’s tally for West Nile cases this year is likely an undercount because several states have reported additional human cases in recent weeks. The Southern Nevada Health District recorded seven cases since June 26, five of which were announced Wednesday. Four of the total cases were neuroinvasive. According to the health district, more than 8,000 mosquitoes in Southern Nevada had tested positive for West Nile as of June 27, according to a report in NBC News.

Vivek Raman, the environmental health supervisor for the Southern Nevada Health District said, “We had our first positive mosquitoes in May, which is pretty early, because we typically see West Nile-positive mosquitoes beginning of July.”

There are no vaccines or treatments for West Nile and hence, people infected with the disease tend to just receive only fluids or pain medication. Nearly 8 out of 10 people who get infected with the West Nile virus don’t show any symptoms. However, some people might develop certain symptoms.

Here, take a look at some of the common symptoms of West Nile Virus.

Fever

Headache

Muscles aches

Nausea and vomiting

Diarrhoea

Rash (usually concentrated around your chest and back)

Swollen lymph nodes

Sore throat

Pain behind your eyes.

West Nile encephalitis and meningitis

Here, take a look at some of the more serious symptoms of West Nile Infection caused due to encephalitis and meningitis.

Intense, very painful headache

High fever

Stiff neck

Confusion

Muscle weakness

Muscle movements you can’t control

Seizures

Paralysis

Coma.

Complications of West Nile Virus

Cleveland Clinic says that less than 1% of people who get infected will have severe symptoms. The most common complication is swelling in part of your nervous system (your brain and spinal cord), including encephalitis and meningitis.

Some of the long-term effects of a severe West Nile infection are: