WEST NILE VIRUS

WEST NILE VIRUS

West Nile Virus is a mosquito-transmitted infection that may be passed on from one individual to another. Many people who are infected with the West Nile virus don’t show any signs or symptoms like fever and minor migraines. In some cases,  a few individuals develop a life-threatening disease which includes inflammation of the spinal cord and brain.

Signs and symptoms of a West Nile virus illness will just resolve on their own. However, extreme signs and symptoms, like severe headache,  confusion, fever, or sudden weakness will require immediate help.

Protect yourself against mosquitoes by using mosquito repellent and wear appropriate clothing that can cover your skin to avoid getting infected.

Types

  • The West Nile Meningitis
  • West Nile Encephalitis

SYMPTOMS

People that have been infected with the West Nile virus may not exhibit any signs or symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of a mild infection

Most individuals who have developed mild West Nile fever may show the following signs and symptoms that will include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Skin rash
  • Body aches
  • Fever
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Vomiting

 

 

Signs and symptoms of a severe infection

Signs and symptoms of a severe neurological infection may include the following:

  • Stiffneck
  • High fever
  • Showing signs of disorientation or confusion
  • Coma
  • Severe headache
  • Tremors
  • Seizures
  • Muscle weakness or partial paralysis

The signs and symptoms of West Nile fever will normally last for a few days, however, signs and symptoms of encephalitis or meningitis can be present for weeks or even months. One of its seriously known neurological effects is the weakening of muscles that can be permanent.

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

Aside from performing a physical examination, your doctor can confirm the existence of the West Nile virus or a West Nile-related illness. It can either be meningitis or encephalitis, by performing the following tests:

  • Laboratory testsit will includea blood test that will show that you are infected with the West Nile virus
  • Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)-A needle is inserted in between the lower vertebrae of your spine to gather a sample of fluid for laboratory analysis
  • Brain testsor  electroencephalography (EEG) — a procedure that is used to measure your brain’s activity

 

TREATMENT

Most people recover from West Nile virus infection without having treatment. In some severe cases, they may require supportive care in a hospital with intravenous fluids and pain medications.

For individuals with mild cases, over-the-counter medicines can help relieve headaches and muscle aches. Take extra caution when giving aspirin to your children. This is because aspirin has been linked to Reye’s syndrome, a rare condition that has a life-threatening impact on children.

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