Because the summer peaks and mosquito season begins, health authorities have identified the primary human case of West Nile fever this season in Texas.
The Dallas County Health and Human Services Department (DCHHS) confirmed Monday that a person was diagnosed with West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND), a severe type of the illness transmitted by mosquitos infected with West Nile virus.
“We’re reporting the primary human case of West Nile virus of the 2023 season. WNV is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito, and folks needs to be careful when going out outside to enjoy outdoor activities,” said Dr. Philip Huang, DCHHS director, reported NBC.
West Nile fever is the leading reason behind mosquito-borne disease within the U.S. The virus affected 1,126 people within the country last yr, causing 90 deaths.
Symptoms of West Nile fever
Although the severity of the infection and symptoms vary, be careful for these signs:
- Fever
- Headache and body aches
- Tiredness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Skin rash on the trunk of the body
- Swollen lymph glands
Around 80% of individuals infected with the virus may not show any symptoms. Most individuals recuperate from West Nile fever completely but fatigue and weakness may last for weeks.
In additional severe cases, the virus can infect the brain and spinal cord, disrupt normal functioning, and result in encephalitis, meningitis, paralysis and even death.
Who’s prone to a serious infection?
In keeping with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about one out of 150 individuals with West Nile virus can develop a serious infection. People over 60 years of age and patients with certain medical conditions, reminiscent of cancer, diabetes, hypertension and kidney disease and people who underwent organ transplants are at a greater risk of developing a serious infection.
Treatment
There may be currently no vaccine or specific drugs to treat the infection. Health experts recommend proper rest, taking fluids and over-the-counter medications for reducing the symptoms. Nonetheless, patients with serious infections must be hospitalized for supportive treatment and pain relief.
Transmission
The symptoms of West Nile fever normally appear three to 14 days after an individual is bitten by an infected mosquito, which gets the virus from infected birds. The mosquitos, nonetheless, don’t transmit the virus from one person to a different.
An individual infected with West Nile virus may transmit it to others through a blood transfusion or an organ transplant. But, for the reason that donated blood undergoes testing for the virus within the U.S., it is taken into account secure.
Prevention
Health officials remind people to persist with the 4 Ds to avoid mosquito bites.
- Avoid being outdoors during Dusk and Dawn when infected mosquitos are most energetic
- Dress in long sleeves, and pants when outside. Use mosquito repellents on thin clothing for extra precaution.
- Ensure your mosquito repellent has DEET
- Drain standing water in your yard and neighborhood that may breed mosquitos
Published by Medicaldaily.com