West Nile Virus: Transmission, Effects, and Prevention
What is West Nile Virus?
West Nile virus (WNV) is a single-stranded RNA virus from the family Flaviviridae.
It causes West Nile fever, a generally mild illness in humans.
Transmission
WNV is primarily spread through bites from infected mosquitoes.
Symptoms and Effects
Approximately 80% of infected individuals show no symptoms.
Febrile Illness
In some cases, WNV can cause a febrile illness with symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Headache
- Body aches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Rash
Neurological Disease
In rare cases, WNV can lead to severe neurological disease such as:
- Meningitis
- Encephalitis
These conditions can be fatal.
Prevention
Preventing mosquito bites is crucial to reducing the risk of WNV infection.
Personal Protective Measures
- Wear long sleeves and pants in mosquito-prone areas.
- Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535.
Mosquito Control
- Eliminate stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.
- Use mosquito dunks or larvicides to kill mosquito larvae.
Note: If you suspect you or someone you know may have WNV, seek medical attention immediately.
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