Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

West Nile Fever Claims Two Lives in Keralam's Ernakulam District: All About The Mosquito-borne disease

Health officials in Kerala have reported two deaths caused by <span>West Nile fever</span> in Ernakulam district.

The deceased was identified as Muraleedharan, a 70-year-old man from Kadangalloor near Aluva. The elderly man died while undergoing treatment on Monday at Kalamassery Medical College, officials said.

Muraleedharan, who was suffering from cancer and had respiratory problems, was admitted to the Medical College Hospital a few days ago with symptoms of West Nile fever. This is the second death from West Nile fever in the Ernakulam district in a week.

Saraswathiyamma, a native of Paravur, died of West Nile fever the other day. Many people have reportedly sought treatment at various hospitals in Ernakulam district with West Nile fever and dengue fever symptoms.

<h2>Health Department Issues Advisory</h2>

Following the incident, the state health department urged people to remain cautious and also issued an advisory urging the public to take precautions against the mosquito-borne disease.

In a statement, the department said the disease is caused by a flavivirus commonly found in migratory birds and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes.

It clarified that the disease does not spread from person to person and that preventing mosquito bites is the most effective way to avoid infection.

According to health authorities, symptoms may include fever, high body temperature, stiffness of the neck, behavioral changes, confusion, semi-consciousness, or loss of consciousness, PTI reported.

<strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/shigella-the-infection-that-claimed-a-4-year-olds-life-in-kerala-government-on-alert-article-154509329" data-type="tilCustomLink">Shigella: The Infection That Claimed A 4-Year-Old's Life In Kerala; Government On Alert</a>

The statement warned that severe infection could affect the nervous system and lead to conditions such as encephalitis and meningitis.

"Elderly persons, those with low immunity, individuals with underlying illnesses, pregnant women, and children have been identified as high-risk groups requiring special attention. Culex mosquitoes, which breed in stagnant and polluted water bodies, drainage channels, septic tanks, marshy areas, paddy fields, and overgrown vegetation, are the primary carriers of the disease," the statement said.

The disease is spread through mosquito bites, and most who get infected do not have any symptoms. However, one in every five infected people has a fever, headache, body aches, and other flu-like symptoms.

The <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/west-nile-virus">West Nile virus</a></span> also infects the nervous system and is capable of causing serious brain or spinal cord inflammation.

According to the WHO, West Nile Virus is a member of the flavivirus genus and belongs to the Japanese encephalitis antigenic complex of the family Flaviviridae.

The mosquitoes become infected when they feed on birds that carry the virus in their blood, and then bite humans and infect them. 

It is found in different parts of the world, including North America, Europe, Africa, Central Asia, Australia, and Asia. Cases in 49 states in the US have been reported, and the total number of symptomatic cases in the US is 51,000 since the first cases were detected in the country in 1999.

<strong>Read More: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/salmonella-outbreak-instant-noodles-sicken-80-plus-in-the-uk-europe-article-154526315" data-type="tilCustomLink">Salmonella Outbreak: Instant Noodles Sicken Over 80 In The UK, Europe</a>

The symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, rash around the chest and back, swollen lymph nodes, sore throats, and pain behind the eyes.

In severe cases, individuals may have an intense headache, high fever, stiff neck, making you unable to move your chin towards your chest, confusion, muscle weakness, loss of control over your muscle movements, seizures, paralysis, and coma.

While the mosquitoes that feed on infected birds are the carriers, there is still a lack of evidence to determine whether it comes directly from the birds. The incubation period for symptoms to show up is two to six days, but it can extend to 14 days, too. 

It can be transmitted from a pregnant person to their fetus, through human milk, blood transfusion, and organ transplant. People who are over the age of 60, have cancer, diabetes, or high blood pressure are more prone to the virus. 

There are no treatments or antiviral medications available for it. However, you can treat the mild symptoms at home with over-the-counter medications that you take for a cold or the flu. The best way to prevent is to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

west-nile-fever-claims-two-lives-in-keralams-ernakulam-district-all-about-the-mosquito-borne-disease

West Nile Fever

west nile fever keralam

West Nile Virus

west nile fever Ernakulam

West Nile Fever symptoms

ebola-alert-in-india-rajasthan-hyderabad-report-suspected-cases-of-deadly-virus

Update: Rajasthan, Hyderabad Report Suspected Cases of Deadly Ebola Virus

ebola-bundibugyo-outbreak-uk-scientists-identify-23-unique-mutations

Ebola Bundibugyo Outbreak: UK Scientists Identify 23 Unique Mutations

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Health officials in Kerala have reported two deaths caused by West Nile fever in Ernakulam district.The deceased was identified as Muraleedharan, a 70-year-old man from Kadangalloor near Aluva. The elderly man died while undergoing treatment on Monday at Kalamassery Medical College, officials said.Muraleedharan, who was suffering from cancer and had respiratory problems, was admitted to the Medical College Hospital a few days ago with symptoms of West Nile fever. This is the second death from West Nile fever in the Ernakulam district in a week.Saraswathiyamma, a native of Paravur, died of West Nile fever the other day. Many people have reportedly sought treatment at various hospitals in Ernakulam district with West Nile fever and dengue fever symptoms.Health Department Issues AdvisoryFollowing the incident, the state health department urged people to remain cautious and also issued an advisory urging the public to take precautions against the mosquito-borne disease.In a statement, the department said the disease is caused by a flavivirus commonly found in migratory birds and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes.It clarified that the disease does not spread from person to person and that preventing mosquito bites is the most effective way to avoid infection.According to health authorities, symptoms may include fever, high body temperature, stiffness of the neck, behavioral changes, confusion, semi-consciousness, or loss of consciousness, PTI reported.Also read: Shigella: The Infection That Claimed A 4-Year-Old's Life In Kerala; Government On AlertThe statement warned that severe infection could affect the nervous system and lead to conditions such as encephalitis and meningitis."Elderly persons, those with low immunity, individuals with underlying illnesses, pregnant women, and children have been identified as high-risk groups requiring special attention. Culex mosquitoes, which breed in stagnant and polluted water bodies, drainage channels, septic tanks, marshy areas, paddy fields, and overgrown vegetation, are the primary carriers of the disease," the statement said.What Is West Nile Fever? The disease is spread through mosquito bites, and most who get infected do not have any symptoms. However, one in every five infected people has a fever, headache, body aches, and other flu-like symptoms. The West Nile virus also infects the nervous system and is capable of causing serious brain or spinal cord inflammation. According to the WHO, West Nile Virus is a member of the flavivirus genus and belongs to the Japanese encephalitis antigenic complex of the family Flaviviridae. The mosquitoes become infected when they feed on birds that carry the virus in their blood, and then bite humans and infect them. It is found in different parts of the world, including North America, Europe, Africa, Central Asia, Australia, and Asia. Cases in 49 states in the US have been reported, and the total number of symptomatic cases in the US is 51,000 since the first cases were detected in the country in 1999.Read More: Salmonella Outbreak: Instant Noodles Sicken Over 80 In The UK, Europe What Are The Symptoms? The symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, rash around the chest and back, swollen lymph nodes, sore throats, and pain behind the eyes. In severe cases, individuals may have an intense headache, high fever, stiff neck, making you unable to move your chin towards your chest, confusion, muscle weakness, loss of control over your muscle movements, seizures, paralysis, and coma. How Can It Spread? While the mosquitoes that feed on infected birds are the carriers, there is still a lack of evidence to determine whether it comes directly from the birds. The incubation period for symptoms to show up is two to six days, but it can extend to 14 days, too. It can be transmitted from a pregnant person to their fetus, through human milk, blood transfusion, and organ transplant. People who are over the age of 60, have cancer, diabetes, or high blood pressure are more prone to the virus.  Treatment There are no treatments or antiviral medications available for it. However, you can treat the mild symptoms at home with over-the-counter medications that you take for a cold or the flu. The best way to prevent is to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

west nile fever claims two lives in keralam's ernakulam district: all about the mosquito-borne disease

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.