WEST NILE ENCEPHALITIS

West nile encephalitis is caused by a virus called West Nile. Bacterial infections and viruses that are transmitted by mosquitoes are some of the causes of encephalitis. This type of virus is an arbovirus that belongs to the family Flaviviridae and the genus Flavivirus. 

Someone else can get infected from the mosquito bite that carries the virus, but the encephalitis itself is not spread by individuals.

Moreover, there is no evidence that a person could acquire the virus by touching infected birds, either alive or dead. However, it is still recommended that you avoid touching dead animals with your hands.

SYMPTOMS

The onset of West Nile Virus infection symptoms usually takes 3 to 14 days from the time of infection. Besides, mild infections are frequent, and they can cause symptoms like:

The majority of people who become infected, however, show no signs or symptoms at all. 

Other severe symptoms include:

  • Paralysis 
  • Muscle weaknesses 
  • Minor disorientation
  • Behavioral changes 
  • Convulsions 
  • Deep coma

Moreover, the condition is linked to a high risk of death and substantial disability in both the short and long term.

DIAGNOSIS

A physical exam and a review of your symptoms can help your doctor diagnose west nile encephalitis. If your doctor thinks you have illness symptoms, he or she may perform the following tests:

  • Blood spinal fluid tests
  • Urine
  • Lumbar puncture
  • Electroencephalogram

TREATMENT 

This virus’s cause is unknown, and there is no specific treatment. In most cases, treatment usually focuses on addressing the symptoms, such as high temperature and pain, low blood pressure, blood loss, convulsions, or increased pressure within the skull.

Additionally, avoiding mosquito bites that carry the virus is an essential precaution. This means wearing trousers and long sleeves, especially in the evenings when mosquitoes bite more frequently and avoiding areas with stagnant water, as mosquito larvae require water to thrive. 

Although numerous vaccines are in the process of being created and evaluated, there is still no available vaccine to defend against the West Nile virus at this time.

Related Articles

TETRALOGY OF FALLOT

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect that affects the [...]

TRICHINOSIS

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Trichinosis, also known as trichinellosis, is a parasitic infection caused by [...]

TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Trigeminal neuralgia is a neurological condition characterized by severe facial pain. [...]