West Nile virus is spread by mosquito. It is the culex species of mosquito that is associated with the spread of this virus. This is an avian virus that reaches the mosquitoes when they bite birds to suck on their blood. The carrier mosquitoes then bite humans and transmit the virus to the human body. Once the virus enters the human body, it begins to multiply quickly.
The virus may begin to spread throughout the body, and once it reaches the brain, it could cause encephalitis, which is a condition characterized by inflammation in the brain. This may affect the entire nervous system of a person. This condition is very rare, however, complications are possible, and therefore, the best medical treatment should be given to control the spread of the virus and rid the body of it completely.
The West Nile virus was first observed in Africa, and in the past few years, it has also been observed in Eastern Europe, Middle East, and West Asia. It has been only the last decade that the disease was first found in the western hemisphere. The incidence of West Nile virus is not very common. If the treatment for West Nile virus is given on time, the disease can be controlled.
Since West Nile is not transmitted from one person to another, it is not considered infectious. The virus can only be transported by a carrier, the culex mosquito. The disease is usually not transmitted through ticks or birds and can always be traced back to mosquito bites. However, blood transfusions may cause the spread of the disease from mother to child, and there have been instances where an infected mother may have passed on the disease to the child.
The West Nile virus signs and symptoms are much like that of flu. The causes of West Nile virus are primarily mosquito bites, and therefore, it is best to rid your home and your surroundings of any stagnated water source or other conditions that may facilitate the breeding of mosquitoes. The treatment for West Nile virus includes the use of antiviral medications. A person may be admitted in the hospital for tests and observation. However, antivirals are usually not able to cure the person of this disease, and hence, treatment for West Nile virus may not always be effective.
Thus, the best treatment for West Nile virus is prevention of the condition. Therefore, keep yourself and your family safe from mosquitoes, especially after it has rained near the place you live.