West Nile virus: – Symptoms, Treatment
West Nile virus: – Symptoms, Treatment
West Nile virus
West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne viral disease that can infect humans, birds, horses, and other mammals. The virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, which acquire the virus by feeding on infected birds.
west nile virus symptoms
about 20% of people infected with the virus may develop flu-like symptoms, such as:
- Fever
- Headache
- Body aches
- Joint pain
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Swollen lymph glands
- Skin rash
- Eye pain
- Diarrhea
west nile virus treatment
Treatment focuses on relieving the symptoms of the disease and providing supportive care. Some of the measures that may be used to treat WNV include:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: To reduce fever and relieve pain, over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can be used.
- Intravenous (IV) fluids: For people with severe dehydration, IV fluids may be administered.
- Hospitalization: In severe cases, hospitalization may be required to provide supportive care, such as oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, and other measures to manage complications.
- Anticonvulsants: If seizures occur, anticonvulsant medications may be used to control them.
- Pain management: For individuals with severe muscle pain, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other pain medications may be used.
