• UGI USER
  • May 08, 2024
  • 26 Likes
  • 0 Comments

KERALA ON ALERT AS MAN DIES OF WEST NILE FEVER

Why in the news?

West Nile fever outbreak in Kerala prompts alert after one death and eight cases reported across districts, sparking health concerns.

source:scribd

About Alert Issued by Kerala Government:

  • Alert issued after one death and eight cases reported from Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Thrissur districts.
  • Death of a 79-year-old man from Thrissur attributed to West Nile fever on May 3.
  • Five cases were reported in Kozhikode, with two suspected cases in Malappuram.
What is West Nile Virus (WNV) ?

  • West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne RNA virus.
  • RNA viruses can have single-stranded or double-stranded RNA as genetic material.
  • Notable diseases caused by RNA viruses include SARS, influenza, common cold, and hepatitis B and C.
  • WNV belongs to the flavivirus family, related to St. Louis encephalitis, Japanese encephalitis, and yellow fever viruses.
  • Symptoms of West Nile fever include fever, headache, fatigue, body aches, nausea, rash, and swollen glands.
  • WNV-associated Guillain-Barré syndrome and radiculopathy have also been reported.
  • Guillain-Barre syndrome is an autoimmune disorder attacking the body’s nerves.
  • Radiculopathy is nerve root compression, often at the exit foramen or lateral recess.