WEST NILE FEVER

Overview and Facts

In low-income tropical areas, west nile fever is one of the common symptoms affecting people. It may happen either isolated or with accompanying symptoms like cold or diarrhea. Fever without unique symptoms creates a challenge to health workers and health systems since it may be caused by fungal, bacterial, parasitic, and viral infections, as well as by non-infectious conditions.

Types and Symptoms

SYMPTOMS

Most people infected by West Nile fever show no signs or symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of a mild infection

The following are common signs and symptoms:

Headache
Body aches
Vomiting
Fever
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Skin rash

Signs and symptoms of a serious infection

West Nile fever is caused by a virus that can cause serious neurological problems like brain inflammation, and inflammation of the membranes around the spinal cord and the brain.

Common signs and symptoms of a neurological infection will include:

High fever
Severe headache
Stiff neck
Signsof disorientation or confusion
Coma
Tremors
Seizures
The weakening of the muscles

Mild symptoms could last a few days but for serious types, it can linger for weeks or even months. Certain neurological symptoms can result in a permanent condition.

TYPES

Other common types of leg ulcer include:

Arterial leg ulcers
Diabetic leg ulcers
Malignant leg ulcers
Traumatic leg ulcers
Vasculitic leg ulcers

Ulcers in the foot are usually caused by diabetes.

SYMPTOMS

Itching, pain, and swelling in the affected leg are characteristic symptoms of a venous leg ulcer.

Discoloration, hardening of the skin around the ulcer, and presence of a foul-smelling discharge may also be present when you have a venous leg ulcer.

If you have a venous leg ulcer, you may exhibit the following conditions:

discoloration and darkening of the skin around the ulcer
swollen ankles
red, flaky, scaly and itchy skin on your legs
swollen and enlarged veins on your legs
hardened skin around the ulcer, which may make your leg feel hard
a heavy feeling in your legs
an unpleasant and foul-smelling discharge from the ulcer
aching or swelling in your legs

Signs of an infection

Opportunistic pathogens could cause secondary bacterial infections due to the ulcer.

Symptoms of an infected leg ulcer may include:

a green or unpleasant discharge coming from the ulcer
fever
redness and swelling of the skin around the ulcer
worsening pain
an unpleasant smell coming from the ulcer

Diagnosis & Medications

Diagnosis

Aside from physical exams, your doctor can diagnose you with West Nile fever or a West Nile-related illness by performing one of the following tests:

Laboratory tests– if you areinfected, a blood test may show that you have an infection through elevated levels of antibodies and white blood cells.
Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)– a common way to diagnose meningitis is to analyze the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord. An extraction needleis inserted between the lower vertebrae of your spine and is used to get a sample of fluid for laboratory analysis
Brain tests– likeelectroencephalography (EEG) — a procedure that measures your brain’s activity is often employed.

TREATMENT

People can recover from the West Nile virus without treatment. Pain relievers that can be bought without a prescription can help relieve mild headaches and muscle aches. Serious cases need supportive therapy together with intravenous fluids and pain medication in a hospital.