21 ISRAELIS DIAGNOSED WITH WEST NILE VIRUS, TWO DEAD; KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS DISEASE
Israel's Health Ministry on Sunday announced that there are currently 21 people who have been diagnosed with West Nile virus, out of which, 17 have been hospitalized with neurological symptoms. Also, 2 patients died over the weekend at Rabin Medical Center. Three people are in critical condition and on ventilators.
The first individual who got diagnosed with the disease at Wolfson Hospital was a man in his sixties. He was in a moderate condition when he was diagnosed.
According to media reports, Prof. Yasmin Maor, Director of the Infectious Diseases Unit at the Wolfson Medical Center, explained that West Nile fever is a longstanding disease. She further added that it has been prevalent in the Middle East since the early 20th century. Cases of the disease were first documented near the Nile in Uganda in the 1930s and this is how it got its name.
What is West Nile Fever?
West Nile fever is a viral infection caused by the West Nile virus. It is caused by the bite of infected mosquitoes, a particular species of the Culex genus. The first case in India was reported in May in the Alappuzha district.Symptoms of West Nile Virus
- Abdominal pain
- Fever, headache, and sore throat
- Lack of appetite
- Muscle aches
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea
- Rash
- Swollen lymph nodes
Usually, the symptoms last for 3 to 6 days. In some cases, they may last a month. The symptoms, which are more severe forms of the disease, are called West Nile encephalitis or West Nile meningitis. The symptoms for these include: muscle weakness, stuff neck, weakness of one arm or legs, confusion, and more.
Who all are at risk?
People over 60 years of age are at higher risk of developing severe symptoms and complications if infected with the West Nile Virus. Also, people who have a weak immune system, or if they are dealing with any disease like cancer, diabetes, kidney problems, organ transplant.How to prevent yourself from West Nile Fever?
- Spray mosquito repellent: Apply odomos or spray a mosquito repellent all over your body before you step out, especially during the monsoon season.
- Personal protection: Wear long-sleeves shirts, long pants. Basically, cover yourself as much as you can. Make sure you apple an insect repellent. Minimize outdoor activities during dawn and dusk because this is the time when mosquitoes are most active.
- Keep doors and windows close: To make sure that you are away from the mosquitoes, make sure your doors and windows are shut. Stay indoors most of the time.