West Nile Virus Cases Are Rising: Symptoms And Prevention

West Nile virus cases are increasing throughout North America and Europe as the mosquito-borne illness approaches its peak season. Meanwhile, experts are cautioning that the virus may spread to new areas due to climate change.

According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), 69 cases have been documented in eight countries as of the end of July, with eight deaths confirmed in Greece, Italy, and Spain. Though the number of cases in Greece and Spain is larger than in prior transmission seasons, the number of infections is in line with the ECDC’s estimates.

In 2024, there have been over 100 incidents reported thus far in 26 US states. Furthermore, August has historically been the worst month for West Nile infections in the United States, as per reports.

What Is the West Nile Virus and how does it spread?

West Nile virus, also known as WNV, is a single-stranded RNA orthoflavivirus belonging to the same genus as dengue, yellow fever, and Zika. Infected humans face serious health risks from several of these infections.

The common house mosquito (Culex pipiens) transmits West Nile virus, which was originally native to Africa but has since expanded worldwide. It is now widespread not only in Sub-Saharan and North Africa but also throughout Europe and Central Asia, as well as the northern United States and Canada. Other Culex species capable of spreading WNV can be found throughout the world’s southern areas, including South Asia, the Asia-Pacific, and the Americas.

When Culex mosquitoes bite other animals, they serve as vectors for the WNV virus. In addition to humans and other mammals, birds can also contract the virus, and migratory species have contributed to the virus’s global spread.

West Nile Virus: Symptoms and Risks

Many people will not show any symptoms of a WNV infection, according to health agencies. However, in a small percentage of instances (20 per cent, according to the ECDC), an individual may experience West Nile Fever, which manifests as headaches, nausea, lethargy, malaise, and swelling of the lymph nodes. In most situations, these symptoms go away in a week, but in more severe cases, specific medical care could be needed.

In less than 1 per cent of cases, the patient develops West Nile Virus Disease, a dangerous infection of the central nervous system that can cause meningitis, encephalitis, or acute flaccid myelitis, all of which have the potential to be fatal or have long-term consequences.

Those who are older, have high blood pressure or blood problems, diabetes, kidney disease, or illnesses associated with alcoholism are some of the most vulnerable categories.

West Nile Virus: Prevention And Treatment

As of right now, there is no vaccine to prevent WNV, hence the best prevention against mosquito exposure is often local control. These countermeasures might take the form of chemical controls like insect repellents or barrier controls like wearing body-covering clothes, mosquito nets, and screen doors.

In addition, restrictions on environmental factors that support mosquito breeding and habitat can also be implemented by individuals and groups.