Kerala Health department issues alert after West Nile fever cases surface
Kerala Health department issues alert after West Nile fever cases surface
The Kerala health department has issued an alert after cases of West Nile fever were reported in Malappuram, Kozhikode and Thrissur districts.
In a meeting to control the spread of West Nile fever, Kerala Health Minister Veena George issued a set of instructions to district medical officers and local government bodies to intensify cleaning and sanitation activities in the state.
A direction to strengthen awareness activities was also set in place. The District Vector Control Unit has collected samples from different parts of the state and sent them for testing.
Since 2011, West Nile fever has been reported in various districts of Kerala, so there is no need to worry, the health minister said. The health minister also requested that anyone with a fever or other symptoms should seek treatment immediately.
Mosquito control and source destruction are important to prevent West Nile fever.Â
Health minister Veena George added that although symptoms of West Nile fever are almost similar to Japanese fever, it isn’t as serious. However, be careful, she said.
She added that people should keep their houses and surroundings clean. Make sure not to use stagnated water.
WHAT IS WEST NILE FEVER?
West Nile fever is caused by the West Nile virus, which is spread by the Culex mosquito. However, it is not as dangerous as Japanese fever. Japanese fever usually affects children under 18, while West Nile fever affects adults. Both are mosquito-borne diseases.
A vaccine is available for Japanese fever, not for West Nile fever.
West Nile fever is mainly transmitted by mosquitoes belonging to the genus Culex. Birds are also infected. This virus was first discovered in 1937 in Uganda. The disease was first reported in the state in 2011 in Alappuzha.
SYMPTOMS OF WEST NILE FEVER
The main symptoms are headache, fever, muscle aches, dizziness and memory loss. Most people who are infected often do not experience symptoms. Some people experience symptoms like fever, headache, vomiting and itching. In 1% of people, brain damage can lead to unconsciousness and sometimes, death. But, the death rate is relatively low compared to Japanese fever.
PREVENTION AND TREATMENT
There is no medicine or vaccine available against the West Nile virus. The treatment involves managing symptoms and supportive care.
Avoiding mosquito bites is the best form of prevention. Wearing clothing that covers the body, using mosquito nets, applying mosquito repellent ointments, using mosquito nets and electric mosquito repellent devices are effective. Mosquito source destruction can prevent infection. Do not self-medicate as it can complicate the disease.
West Nile fever is curable if treated early.
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