Kerala has recently garnered attention due to an outbreak of West Nile Fever. The state has reported multiple cases of this mosquito-borne viral infection, raising concerns among its inhabitants.
Health officials confirmed five cases of West Nile fever in the northern district of Kozhikode, Kerala. These cases, which included children, have all recovered and returned home without any new reports of infection from their respective areas, according to a district surveillance team official. Samples from individuals showing symptoms and undergoing treatment were routinely sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune for analysis.
Fortunately, all patients have recovered, stated the state officials.
How To Stay Safe From West Nile Fever?
According to the World Health Organisation, West Nile fever is transmitted by the Culex species of mosquitoes and was initially identified in Uganda in 1937. Kerala first documented this fever in 2011, with a tragic case in 2019 where a six-year-old from Malappuram succumbed to the illness. In May 2022, a 47-year-old individual in Thrissur district also lost their life to West Nile fever.
Tips and Precautions
As summer approaches and mosquitoes become more active, it's essential to be aware of potential health risks, including mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile Fever. This viral infection, transmitted through mosquito bites, can cause mild to severe symptoms and, in rare cases, lead to serious complications. To stay safe and protect yourself and your loved ones from West Nile Fever, here are some essential tips and precautions provided by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention:
Also Read: West Nile Virus: Symptoms And When Should We Worry?
- Mosquito Repellent: Use EPA-approved insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus when spending time outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and closed-toe shoes to minimise mosquito bites.
- Eliminate Standing Water: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so regularly empty and clean containers like flowerpots, birdbaths, gutters, and pet bowls to reduce mosquito breeding sites around your home.
- Use Mosquito Nets: If camping or sleeping outdoors, use mosquito nets over beds or sleeping areas to prevent mosquito bites while sleeping.
- Screen Windows and Doors: Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
- Stay Indoors During Peak Mosquito Activity: When possible, avoid outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours, typically during dawn and dusk.
- Protect Children: Dress children in clothing that covers their arms and legs, use mosquito netting over strollers and cribs, and apply insect repellent according to the product's instructions, taking care to avoid hands, eyes, and mouth.
- Keep Your Yard Clean: Regularly mow the lawn, trim shrubbery, and remove leaf litter to reduce mosquito resting areas.
- Seek Medical Attention: If you develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, or rash after being bitten by a mosquito, seek medical attention promptly. While most people recover without complications, severe cases may require hospitalisation.
If you want to save yourself from West Nile Fever, stay updated on local health advisories and mosquito activity in your area. Follow guidelines from public health authorities to prevent mosquito-borne diseases. By following these precautions and staying vigilant, you can reduce your risk of contracting West Nile Fever and other mosquito-borne illnesses. Protecting yourself from mosquito bites is key to enjoying a safe and healthy summer outdoors.