Report: Everything you need to know about West Nile fever and how to protect yourself from it

2024-07-14 2024-07-14T11:24:56Z

Weather of Arabia - Health authorities in Jordan warned of the dangers of the West Nile fever virus, after countries such as Spain, Italy, and occupied Palestine recorded cases of infection with the virus, and the occupation health authorities announced 153 cases of infection since the beginning of last June, of which 11 people died.

What is West Nile fever virus?

West Nile virus is responsible for West Nile fever, which is transmitted to humans through the bites of mosquitoes carrying the virus. The virus spreads in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and Western Asia, and acquired its name when it was first discovered in the West Nile region of Uganda in 1937.

How is West Nile virus transmitted?

Birds are the main carrier of the West Nile virus, from which the virus is transmitted to mosquitoes. It takes several days for the virus to reach the mosquito’s salivary glands, which in turn transmit it to humans through bites. Dr. Dirar Balawi, a professor and consultant in the treatment of infectious diseases, explains that the virus is spread mainly through a bite. Infected mosquitoes, usually belonging to the genus Aedes mosquitoes. These mosquitoes acquire the virus by feeding on infected birds.

Summer months: period of spread of infection

Dr. Balawi points out that mosquitoes carrying the virus are more active during the warm months, which makes the summer period the most recorded cases of infection among humans.

Birds of prey as a vector of the virus

Dr. Islam Annan, professor of health economics and epidemiology, adds that the virus can also be transmitted through some types of birds of prey, such as eagles or crows, which become infected when they eat infected or dead birds carrying the virus. The virus can also be transmitted in rare cases while dealing with it in laboratories. Or through blood transfusions and organ transplants from infected people, or from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

Precautions for prevention

Dr. Anan points out that the virus is not transmitted through coughing, sneezing, touching, or handling infected birds, whether alive or dead, but he advises wearing gloves when disposing of dead birds. He also confirms that eating infected birds or animals does not transmit the virus, provided that the meat is cooked well.

Symptoms of West Nile virus infection

Dr. Balawi explains that most people infected with the virus show mild symptoms or may not show any symptoms at all, especially in the early stages of infection. Common symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, fatigue, and sometimes a rash. In rare cases, the virus can penetrate the central nervous system, leading to serious neurological complications such as meningitis or encephalitis, which may be fatal.

Death rates and diagnosis

Dr. Annan says that the death rate due to West Nile virus may sometimes reach 10%, especially when the infection is accompanied by severe symptoms, which often appear in the elderly and people with chronic diseases or weak immunity. West Nile fever virus infection is diagnosed through a blood test to look for antibodies or genetic material associated with the virus, in addition to other medical tests that help detect the virus.

Is there a treatment for Nile fever?

Treatment and management of symptoms

Dr. Islam Annan points out that there is no specific treatment for West Nile virus, and mild cases often improve with rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking over-the-counter pain medications to control symptoms such as fever and body aches.

Medical care for severe cases

Dr. Anan explains that medical treatment is limited to alleviating the severity of the accompanying symptoms and accelerating their disappearance. For cases with severe symptoms, you should receive special care in hospital to treat complications. Dr. Anan stresses that early diagnosis is very necessary, as it allows for appropriate treatment and gives a better chance of achieving positive results.

How can infection be prevented?

Prevention tips

Doctors and disease control experts recommend using insect repellent sprays that contain chemicals such as DEET or picaridin, while following the necessary instructions for using these substances to avoid their side effects.

preventive measures

Dr. Dirar Balawi says that you can wear long sleeves and pants, and stay inside closed places during the peak hours when mosquitoes spread. Balawi also advises getting rid of mosquito breeding places around homes, such as emptying stagnant water sources such as buckets, flower pots, and clogged gutters.

Additional measures

It is also recommended to install insect nets on doors and windows, repair any holes in them, and use air conditioners if available. Tools containing standing water should be emptied and cleaned weekly or removed from the home to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs in them.

Concern in the Middle East

Dr. Balawi explains that the recent discovery of West Nile virus in the Middle East region indicates a potential risk of outbreak, especially with rising global temperatures, which increases the spread of mosquitoes carrying the virus. This reinforces the importance of raising awareness within communities.

The importance of awareness and understanding

“Although the virus is often associated with distant places, West Nile fever is emerging as a threat to the Middle East,” says Balawi. “With recent cases recorded in the region, it is essential to understand the disease to protect public health.”