West Nile fever is due to the West Nile virus, which is transmitted through the bite of the culex mosquito. Till date, medical science has not been able to find a permanent cure or a treatment for West Nile fever. Although West Nile virus treatments may be attempted by using antiviral drugs, the drugs can only slow down the speed at which the virus reproduces and spreads through the body.
In the case of West Nile fever, prevention is the best cure, because the disease cannot be cured and can often be fatal. There have been 44 known fatalities due to West Nile fever over the last two years in the US alone. The antiviral drugs used for West Nile virus treatments are effective only when the virus is on the infectious or the reproductive phase, after which the spread of the virus cannot be stopped, only delayed.
Fortunately, the incidence of this disease is very low. The causes of West Nile virus are infection through mosquito bites, and in a rare case, through blood transfusions from a mother to child. Our body’s immunity is usually able to fight off the virus. However, in case the body is unable to do so, there is nothing that can stop the virus from affecting the brain of a person.
West Nile virus signs and symptoms are much like those of the flu. There is a low grade fever and other mild symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and cold. Since the infection can turn deadly, it is best to take all possible measures to prevent a spread of infection. To contain the virus, use a bug spray regularly in your home. If you are not too keen on using a spray, use other mosquito repellant techniques to keep mosquitoes at bay. Also do not allow water to stagnate around your house. Keep your bird baths and other similar objects near the house clean so that mosquitoes cannot breed. Also make sure that your windows and doors have mesh screens so that mosquitoes cannot enter into your house.
If there are any cracks or vents in your house, make sure that they are repaired so that mosquitoes do not find alternative entries into your house. Also make sure that after the rains, you do not wear clothes that may expose your skin to mosquito bites. Keep your surroundings clutter free and clean so that mosquitoes will not breed in or around your home.
