What is The West Nile Virus?

 

In recent years our fears over a virus outbreak have taken on apocalyptical proportions. People are terrified that a strange new virus will suddenly sweep across the globe, killing people by the millions, wiping out humanity in much the same manner that the Spanish Influenza and the Bubonic Plague did in our history. However, many others are wary not so much of new and lethal viruses, but of those we already know of but have had trouble combating. One such is the West Nile Virus, a virulent disease that has killed many and continues to ravage entire populations. What is the West Nile Virus, how is it spread, and how can you best defend yourself against it? In today's article we take a close look at this menace, and help you ensure you remain safe.

The West Nile Virus is an infection that is spread by certain kinds of mosquitoes, which are in turn infected when they feed from certain birds. From there, the mosquitoes act as vectors by biting humans or other animals such as horses, where the infection stops, since people cannot infect each other nor can animals spread it to other members of their species. However, the disease can be spread through organ transplants or blood transfusions, which makes screening blood donations of vital importance to the medical community.

What is insidious about the West Nile Virus is that it only causes symptoms in about 20% of those infected. Even those symptoms can be so mild that people may not realize they are infected, though in rare cases the virus can lead to the swelling of the brain, of the spinal cord, or the swelling of both. This can result in death, though this is very rare. Most people fully recover from the disease, but it can lead to long term problems such as memory loss, seizures, and even brain damage. Children and the elderly are especially at risk.

If you develop symptoms such as a bad headache, stiff neck, tremors, confusion and a high fever, you should immediately seek a doctor. They will check your blood, and if they find anti-bodies against the virus, will check in again in two weeks to see if the amount is increasing or decreasing. There is nothing a doctor can do to help you fight the disease, though they can boost your immune system as it attempts to do so. Your best method is prevention, and keeping mosquitoes clear of your yard.

 

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