Author:Lydia Otuyoma
In recent times, medical professionals have found that about 200 people have been affected by the West Nile Virus. Not just that, most of the infected persons have neuroinvasive effects of this disease(encephalitis and meningitis)
Studies have also shown that this virus was first diagnosed in Uganda in the 19th century. Now it is widespread in other countries. This has raised the concern of many individuals and health care practitioners. A lot of research is going on to see how deadly this can be to humans.
What's West Nile Virus?
The West Nile virus occurs as a single-stranded RNA virus that inflicts West Nile fever. It is an enveloped virus and is icosahedral in shape.
West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes particularly the culex species of mosquito. This is because the culex species feed on birds. The primary host of the west Nile virus is birds.
Why now?
The current spread of the virus has raised questions among medics and healthcare officials. It has become a well-known fact that climate change has a lot to do with the current spread of the West Nile virus.
Some folks may wonder, how does climate change contribute to the spread of the West Nile virus?
Of course in our world today there is a drastic change in the climate of different regions and countries. Due to this, there is an obvious relationship between climate change and the West Nile virus. The culex mosquito which aids the spread of this virus survives in tropical(hot or humid) and temperate regions.
Global warming which is one of the major effects of climate change has aided the breeding of these rules mosquitos.
Areas like the United States, Greece, Germany, Romania, Austria, Italy, and Hungary have been infested. Some of these places have records of death due to the West Nile virus.
Mode of transmission
The culex mosquito feeds on birds, humans, and other animals.
When the culex mosquito bites an infected bird, the West Nile virus moves from the mosquito's bloodstream to its salivary gland. This mosquito ends up biting humans or other animals thereby transmitting the virus.
So, the transmission of the West Nile virus is a 'bird' to 'mosquito' to 'bird, animals or humans' cycle.
The secondary host animals could be cats, dogs, and horses. The presence of this virus in the human bloodstream may cause serious damage.
Treatment or cure
There is no vaccine or known treatment for the West Nile virus yet. All hands are on deck to curb the present situation.
Attempts are also made to reduce the symptoms of anyone infected by the virus
Despite this, pain relievers can be used to help reduce fever or pain. You can also visit a hospital for support and necessary help.
What do we do now?
For now, health care practitioners advise, those living in tropical or temperate regions to avoid outdoor activities.
Also, wear clothes that can cover up your skin to avoid bites from mosquitoes. You can also use a mosquito repellent cream or lotion.
