The kerala government has asked people to be vigilant about the mosquito-borne West nile virus. West nile virus fever is transmitted by a type of mosquito known as “culex”. These mosquitoes thrive in contaminated water. This type of infection was first discovered in 1937 in Uganda, Africa. The disease was first detected in india in 2011 in Kerala. Subsequently, in 2019, a six-year-old boy from Malappuram in the state died of West nile virus fever. In this situation, the kerala government has asked all the district administrations to be vigilant about the mosquito-borne West nile fever. West nile fever has been reported in Thrissur, Malappuram, and kozhikode districts, the kerala government said. According to a statement issued by the minister of health, Veena George, the cases of virus infection have been reported in Kerala and all the districts have been asked to be alert. As part of the awareness campaign against West nile virus fever spread by Culex-type mosquitoes, the minister has ordered to destruction and control of mosquito breeding places. minister Veena George has told the public not to panic and has asked them to go to the hospital immediately and seek treatment if they experience any related symptoms.

Important symptoms

Fever, body aches, headache, leg swelling, dizziness, and memory loss (most patients do not have these symptoms) are considered as its main symptoms. Some people experience symptoms like fever, headache, vomiting, and itching. Also, 1 percent of those affected by the flu develop brain damage. This can cause unconsciousness and sometimes death. However, the mortality rate is relatively low compared to Japanese encephalitis, which shows similar symptoms.

Kerala health minister Veena George has said that since there is no medicine or vaccine against West nile virus, early treatment and preventive measures are important. As part of preventive measures, the minister has advised to wear clothes that cover the body completely, use mosquito nets, and keep the house and surroundings clean.

Meanwhile, the health department officials have confirmed that five people have been affected by West nile virus fever in kozhikode district. All the affected persons, including children, are now fine and no new cases have been reported from their areas, said an official of the kozhikode district Monitoring Committee. At present, only one person is receiving treatment, he said. The official said that the samples of those who were treated due to symptoms were sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune and the results confirmed that they were infected with West nile virus and all of them are now well.