In any case, knowing where and when these diseases occur helps health officials and doctors to be on the alert
Washington, USA09 Sep 2023, 22:33 14734 read 2 comments
West Nile virus (WNV) has already entered the information field in passing, but the attention it has received recently is an alarming signal of its development. A recent study helped to see the full picture of the extent of the disease.
West Nile virus is a type of arbovirus disease. Simply put, it is a disease spread mainly by mosquitoes and ticks. When we are bitten, the virus can enter our body.
Fortunately, most of us won’t feel sick if we get infected. But if we feel unwell, we may have a fever, and in rarer cases the virus can attack the brain and spinal cord, which is a more serious problem.
In 2021, more than 3,000 cases of illnesses caused by viruses such as WNV were reported in the United States, according to a study, Medical News reports. West Nile virus has been found in approximately 16% of US counties.
The virus seems to hit older people harder. Most patients were aged around 65 years, and unfortunately around 8% of them died. More than half of all WNV cases in the country are found in just three counties in Arizona. Interestingly, men are 60% more likely to contract a severe form of the disease.
At the same time, WNV was not the only virus in the spotlight. The study also found cases of infection with La Crosse, Jamestown Canyon, equine encephalitis, St. Louis and Powassan encephalitis. Each of these viruses has its own unique characteristics, but it is important to note that many of them affect the brain and spinal cord.
The last time West Nile virus caused such a stir was in 2012. This recent surge is remarkable, especially considering Arizona has seen an unusually high number of cases.
Also, in some states, such as Ohio and Indiana, some viruses have been detected for the first time, which may mean that these viruses may be spreading to new areas or that we have simply become better at detecting them.
In any case, knowing where and when these viruses appear helps health officials and doctors stay alert. Tracking these viruses, understanding their spread patterns, and controlling mosquito and tick populations can prevent disease outbreaks that could easily become epidemics across their range.
There are currently no specific treatments or vaccines available for many of these viruses, highlighting the importance of controlling and preventing their spread. The best way to protect yourself right now is prevention. This means wearing insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and providing full health information when donating blood.
Although West Nile virus has become popular again for some pretty scary reasons, being aware and taking precautions is our best defense against it.
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2023-09-09 19:33:53
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