West Nile Virus | Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Global Outbreaks
Unbeknownst to the resident of Syracuse, Utah, West Nile Virus was lurking in a nearby mosquito pool. Despite alarm among residents, the authorities have urged calm and are intensifying their mosquito management in the area. Indeed, no reported cases of West Nile Virus in humans are yet to occur in Utah in 2023.
Nonetheless, the discovery of infected mosquitos has raised interest in this little-known disease. In the following sections, we’ll delve into the mystery of the West Nile Virus, investigating its cause, symptoms, diagnosis, and global epidemiology.
What is West Nile Virus?
The West Nile Virus (WNV), part of the Flavivirus genus, is primarily spread via mosquito bites. Infected mosquitoes, having previously bitten an infected bird, transmit this virus to humans or other mammals.
Not everyone who gets bitten by an infected mosquito falls ill, but the virus can pose a severe threat to individuals over 60 or those with weakened immune systems.
In rare instances, WNV can also be spread through organ transplants, blood transfusions, breastfeeding, or during pregnancy, though it can’t be transmitted through casual human contact like touching or kissing.
