West Nile fever is widespread in the United States. Warning signs you should know about

West Nile virus outbreaks are now on the rise again, with the number of positive mosquito samples increasing in counties across the state.West Nile virus is one of the leading causes of mosquito-borne illness in the United States and can cause mild to severe symptoms such as headache, high fever, chills, seizures, and paralysis.   West Nile infections are particularly high during the mosquito season, which begins in summer and lasts until fall.   

Due to the presence of the virus in mosquitoes, US health authorities have asked the public to be aware of these symptoms and therefore to take all necessary precautions to prevent mosquito breeding and to wear clothing for extended periods of time during exposure.Mosquitoes cover it’s hands and feet.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 25 cases of West Nile virus have been reported in 14 states.   However, in some cases, such symptoms can be life-threatening. It is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Although many may experience no symptoms after exposure to the virus, some may develop flu-like symptoms 2-14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

 Mild symptoms of West Nile virus

Abdominal pain, headache, fever, sore throat, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lymph node swelling.

Severe symptoms of West Nile virus

Coma, delirium, tremors, convulsions, paralysis and coma. It can also cause neurological disorders, such as inflammation of the brain called meningitis or encephalitis.

Rarely, people infected with West Nile virus develop arrhythmias, myocarditis, rhabdomyolysis, optic neuritis, uveitis, chorioretinitis, orchitis, pancreatitis, and hepatitis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Reference

Author: MedBlog18 Blog Team

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