Kerala’s Health Department on Tuesday, 7 May, issued a statewide alert, urging heightened vigilance and immediate action to contain the spread of the West Nile Virus (WNV).
The alert came after the state reported seven cases of West Nile Fever disease and a death. This was amidst the emergence of infections in Thrissur, Malappuram, and Kozhikode.
West Nile Fever is a disease caused by the WNV, a flavivirus related to other mosquito-borne viruses such as Zika virus, dengue virus, Japanese encephalitis, and yellow fever virus.
Mosquitoes become infected with the virus when they feed on infected birds, and then they can transmit the virus to humans and other animals through subsequent bites.
It affects humans, horses, and various bird species. Most infected individuals show few signs of illness, but some may develop severe neurological illness, which can be fatal.
The symptoms can vary widely, ranging from mild to severe, and some people may not experience any symptoms at all. The incubation period, ranges from 2 to 14 days.
Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for WNV infection. Most cases of West Nile Fever do not require specific medical treatment and resolve on their own with care.