Recently Russia issued a warning about the potential for an increase in cases of West Nile virus infection this autumn as mild temperatures and heavy rainfall are favorable conditions for mosquitoes carrying the virus.
Key Points
More than 80 percent of West Nile fever cases have been reported in southwest Russia. According to reports, human cases of mosquito-borne West Nile are on the rise in the North Dakota region of Russia. So far, cases have been confirmed in 5 people.
What is West Nile Virus?
- It is a single-stranded RNA virus that causes West Nile fever.
- The virus is a member of the Flaviviridae family, which includes Zika virus, dengue virus, as well as yellow fever virus.
- The virus is mainly transmitted through mosquitoes and mostly by species of Culex.
- Genetically, the virus belongs to the Japanese encephalitis family.
- Symptoms of disease caused by this virus are visible in both humans and horses.
- The first human case of this disease was reported in the year 1937 in Uganda.
Origin of Virus:
- Virus originated in Africa.
- It has now spread to Europe, Asia and North America.
- The virus is mostly transmitted through mosquito bites, causing fatal neurological conditions in humans.
- Most cases of West Nile virus occur during the mosquito season, which begins in the summer and lasts until the fall.
Symptoms of the disease: Most people (8 out of 10) infected with The Virus show no symptoms. Some infected people develop fever with symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pain, rash, vomiting or diarrhea.
Source – The Hindu
