West Nile Encephalitis
Whether you are a visitor to an area or a resident of a country
that is heavily populated with mosquitoes, you should be well-informed
on the dangers of West Nile encephalitis, a mosquito-borne
disease.
West Nile encephalitis is a brain infection more commonly
known as the West Nile virus. It was first identified in Africa
in 1937. The initial American outbreak was in New York in
1999; now the disease is prevalent in several southern states
and many other countries. While mosquitoes are the main method
of transmission, ticks in Asia and Africa have also been found
to be infected. With travel being common today, the virus
can easily hitch a ride to a new destination.
 Encephalitis
is the swelling and inflammation of the brain, and can be
caused by a bite from a mosquito that is infected with a virus.
Mosquitoes become infected with the virus by feeding on infected
birds and, subsequently, transmit the disease to humans through
their bites. The infected birds are regarded as intermediate
carriers and play a crucial role in keeping the virus alive.
West Nile encephalitis is not a contagious virus and cannot
be transmitted from one person to another.
Types of Encephalitis
There are a few major types of mosquito-borne encephalitis:
La Crosse, Eastern equine, Western equine, St-Louis, Japanese,
and Venezuelan equine. Each type has its own unique symptoms
and appears in different regions of the world.
Symptoms
Many people who contract the virus that causes encephalitis
never experience any symptoms. In such cases, the virus runs
its course without ever becoming dangerous to the individual’s
health. Others will contract the virus and experience mild
symptoms from the infection, such as mild fever, restlessness,
nausea, body aches and pains, exhaustion and headache. However,
a small number of people develop encephalitis from this virus.
They experience more serious symptoms that can include a stiff
neck, seizures, disorientation, weight loss, coma, weakness,
paralysis, tremors, numbness, vision loss, and changes in
mental state.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you suspect that you have become ill due to a mosquito-borne
illness, consult a doctor immediately. A medical professional
will ask you about your personal and recent travel history,
and will want to know if you have come into contact with any
dead animals. Tests such as blood tests, spinal tap, a neurological
exam, CT scan, MRI and EEG may be prescribed. There exists
no drug to treat encephalitis, but doctors often prescribe
medication that will help ease most symptoms. For instance,
they may recommend intravenous fluids for hydration, a respirator
to aid in breathing, painkillers to ease headaches and fever,
anticonvulsants to treat seizures, corticosteroids or an anti-inflammatory
drug to treat brain swelling, and sedatives.
Prevention
Those who are fond of camping vacations, exploring forests
and parks, hiking and other outdoor activities should wear
protective clothing. Mosquito netting is a vital component
in guarding yourself against West Nile encephalitis.
In order to reduce your chances of getting bitten by an
infected mosquito, it is best to avoid being outside during
times when mosquitoes are prevalent, usually dusk and dawn.
At those times, be sure to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants
to protect your skin from bites, and wear an insect repellent
that contains the chemical DEET.
- Apply insect repellent containing between 20 and 30 percent
DEET (higher levels can cause negative side effects). Be
sure to spray clothing because mosquitoes can bite through
light fabric.
- Also helpful is to rid your property of any standing water,
such as birdbaths, gutters, ponds and puddles, as mosquitoes
favor these types of locations for breeding. Keep your doors
and windows closed in the early evening, and repair any
torn screens in order to prevent mosquitoes from entering
your dwelling.
- Use mosquito netting over beds, cribs, and cots when vacationing
in high-risk areas, unless you are staying at a well-enclosed
hotel or resort. Treated netting is most effective. It needs
to be wide enough to completely cover the sleeping area
without touching the person inside, and should be tucked
tightly under the mattress. The sleeper should place blankets
or pillows at the edge to ensure that the skin is not exposed
to the netting during sleep.
 Travel
Warnings
Prior to taking a trip to any location where there
have been documented cases of mosquito-borne encephalitis,
such as Asia, it is advisable to consult your doctor, who
may suggest you get vaccinated against the Japanese strain,
the most common type of mosquito-borne illness in that region.
West Nile encephalitis is a serious, debilitating illness.
Do not be a victim to this virus - take preventative measures,
especially when traveling.
|
