: West Nile Disease Israel, which has been fighting a war with Hamas for a long time, is now facing another problem. The threat of West Nile Disease, a mosquito-borne disease, is increasing. Recently, four people have lost their lives due to this infection in Israel. The number of people affected by this disease has reached 48, out of which 36 are in hospital and the condition of 5 remains critical.
Israel Environmental Protection and Health Ministry said that the first confirmation of the spread of mosquito infected virus was at Ben Gurion International Airport. Earlier in May 2024, a person had also died of West Nile virus in Kerala. 6 cases of this virus have also been found from Thrissur, Malappuram and Kozhikode districts. In such a situation, let us know how dangerous this virus is and how to avoid it…
What is West Nile Virus
West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease that spreads to humans and animals through the bite of an infected Culex mosquito. According to WHO, this virus is a neurological disease that spreads among humans. About 80% of people infected with it do not show any symptoms. Most cases of this disease are found in Africa, Europe, North America and West Asia. This virus is a member of the Flavivirus genus and belongs to the Japanese encephalitis antigenic complex of the Flaviviridae family.
When was the West Nile virus first discovered?
According to WHO, West Nile Virus (WNV) was first discovered in 1937 in the West Nile district of Uganda. The infection, found in a woman then, was identified in crows and Columbiformes in the Nile Delta region. In 1999, the disease began spreading to Israel and Tunisia. The first case in Kerala was reported in 2011.
How West Nile Virus is spread
This virus spreads through mosquito bites. It affects the brain and spinal cord. Apart from humans, it spreads very fast in horses and causes their death. There is a vaccine for this disease in horses but the vaccine has not yet been developed for humans. Research is ongoing on this. The risk of this disease is highest due to mosquito bites and coming in contact with animals and birds while feeding them.
Symptoms of West Nile Virus
In this disease, there is a risk of headache, swelling in the brain and stroke. Apart from this, there are problems like vomiting, fever, body ache and pain in the eyes. This weakens the immune system. Only one percent of the people affected by it show serious symptoms. Children or people above 60 years of age are at greater risk. People with diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease are at greater risk.
Ways to avoid this infection
1. Avoid mosquitoes as much as possible
2. Wear full sleeve clothes, use insect repellent, avoid outdoor activities, use mosquito nets and coils.
3. Be careful if you come in contact with animals.
4. Take a healthy diet. Avoid roadside foods. Drink water only after boiling it.
5. Clean the house, do not let water accumulate.
Disclaimer: Some of the information given in the news is based on media reports. Before implementing any suggestion, please consult the concerned expert.
Also read: Two members of the same family in Pune got infected with Zika Virus, know its initial symptoms
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