West Nile Fever
West Nile Fever is a viral illness of birds that is carried by mosquitoes. It can cause illness in humans, including encephalitis and viral meningitis. These are illness associated with inflammation of the brain and surrounding tissues. Although West Nile Fever can be fatal, it usually causes a mild illness characterised by headache, fever, and muscle aches. Recovery is spontaneous. It is not spread person to person. The illness was first discovered in Africa in the 1930’s, and is present in America, Europe and the Middle East. Highly fatal to many species of birds, it is an accidental infection of people, spread by mosquitoes that have probably fed upon infected birds. The infection spreads as birds migrate.
Manifestations: Most infections are mild, and symptoms include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Body aches
- Skin rash
- Swollen lymph glands.
More severe infection may be marked by:
- Headache
- High fever
- Neck stiffness
- Stupor
- Disorientation
- Coma
- Tremors
- Convulsions
- Muscle weakness
- Paralysis
- Rarely, death
Diagnosis and treatment: A diagnosis can be made by taking a blood test. There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus. Most humans who become infected will get better on their own. In more severe cases, intensive supportive therapy is indicated (e.g., hospitalisation, intravenous/IV fluids and nutrition, airway management, ventilatory support (ventilator) if needed, prevention of secondary infections and proper nursing care).
Prevent West Nile Fever by:
- When outside, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks.
- Tuck your shirt into your pants.
- Apply insect repellent on uncovered skin and under the ends of sleeves and pant legs. Follow the instructions on the label of the repellent. The most effective repellents are those that contain the chemical DEET (N,N-diethylmetatoluamide). The concentration of DEET varies among repellents. Repellents with DEET concentrations of 30—35% are quite effective, and the effect should last about 4 hours. Lower concentrations should be used for children (no more than 10% DEET). Repellents with DEET should be used sparingly on children from 2 to 6 years old and not at all on children less than 2 years old.
- Spray clothing with permethrin-containing insecticides. The insecticide should be reapplied after every five washings.
- Spray living and sleeping areas with an insecticide to kill insects.
- Sleep in an area that is well screened
- Sleep in air-conditioned
- Use a bed net and tuck it under your mattress
- Use a bed net that has been soaked in or sprayed with permethrin. The permethrin will be effective for several months if the bed net is not washed.
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