Increase in West Nile Virus

Context

Russia warned of a possible increase in West Nile virus infections this autumn as mild temperatures and heavy precipitation create favourable conditions for the mosquitos that carry it.

What is West Nile Virus?

•  West Nile virus (WNV) is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. 
• Originally from Africa, the virus has spread in Europe, Asia and North America. 

Symptoms

• Symptoms of severe illness include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis.

Transmission

•  It is mainly transmitted through mosquito bites and can lead to a fatal neurological disease in humans, although most people infected never develop any symptoms.
• About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. 
•  About 1 out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness. 
• A person can reduce your risk of WNV by using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent mosquito bites.

Treatment 

• There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat West Nile virus in people.