Mosquitoes are insects that cause a lot of illnesses not only to human beings but also to animals. In fact, many people have died because of the diseases that these mosquitoes bring. Preventive measures against mosquito borne diseases are the most effective means of keeping one’s health safe. The same applies to the prevention of the West Nile Virus. This virus is carried by a mosquito which in turn has contracted it from feeding off on infected avian animals. Although its name may suggest that it comes from Egypt’s Nile River, the virus was actually isolated in the Southern Nile region of Africa.
WNV is largely present in temperate and hot climates but just recently it was discovered to have affected people and animals that are thriving in countries of the west hemisphere. Majority of the individuals who get bitten by WNV carrier mosquitoes do not exhibit any signs or symptoms. However, there are still some individuals who develop serious hooked on phonics complications due to this particular viral complication. People who are aging 50 years and older are most likely to suffer from severe complications as well as those who weakened immune systems. Typically, WNV carrier mosquitoes are most numerous during May to October each year. The most severe form of complication is encephalitis, wherein the brain becomes inflamed. Another serious condition which results from WNV infection is inflammation of the brain lining and the spinal cord, a disease called meningitis. These severe illnesses do not develop right away. They are already late manifestations of the infection. It usually starts with fever, body malaise, and intense headache.
Although the abovementioned symptoms are not singularly indicative to the virus, it is wise for a person to have himself checked by a doctor when he feels these signs most especially if he is residing in a region where the West Nile Virus has been known to exist. The importance of prompt medical attention should be given utmost priority especially when the person is already experiencing some changes in mental status, rigidity of the neck, photosensitivity or being oversensitive to light, states of confusion and inability to concentrate on anything, and high grade fever. Muscle weakness and total body malaise are also warning signs. These symptoms were the most prevalent during the West Nile Virus epidemic in New York during the year 1999.
Once one has already submitted himself to medical care, several diagnostic exams will then be performed to determine the etiology of his illness. This is how it will be determined if it is viral or bacterial in nature. If it is viral, then tests will also be performed to check if it is indeed the West Nile Virus or not. The identification of WNV is usually achieved through the performance of several molecular biologic examinations with proper consideration on the symptoms manifested by the sick individual. DNA tests are also done to identify the virus.
What should be properly noted is that up to this time, there is no treatment for the West Nile Virus. Viral diseases are self limiting and all that one can do is to control the symptoms associated with it as well as keep the immune system as strong as possible.
Friday, June 17th, 2011, 3:03 am | 
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