The Kerala Health Department has reported cases of West Nile Fever in three districts. The state government has directed all districts to be vigilant and issued guidelines to take mosquito control measures by stepping up pre-monsoon cleaning and surveillance activities.
According to health officials, five cases of vector-borne diseases were reported in northern Kozhikode district on Tuesday, May 6. Malappuram and Thrissur districts have also reported cases of West Nile fever.
Also read: What is West Nile Fever? How it spreads, symptoms, treatment, other details here
Kozhikode District Collector Snehil Kumar Singh said, “Of the five cases reported in the district so far, four have recovered and one is currently being treated at the government medical college hospital,” HT reported.
“Cases of West Nile Fever have been reported in the district before. It is similar to dengue. There is no reason to worry or panic at this time. There are no hotspots,” Snehil Kumar Singh told HT.
Also read: West Nile Fever scare after Kerala death: Expert on causes, symptoms and cure
In the wake of these developments, Health Minister Veena George confirmed in a statement that cases of West Nile viral infections have been reported in the state. She called on all district authorities to be vigilant. Authorities have issued an order to take mosquito control measures to destroy their breeding grounds.
The viral fever is attributed to Culex mosquito species. Citizens showing signs of fever or other symptoms of West Nile infection have been urged to seek immediate treatment. Meanwhile, the health minister said there was no cause for concern.
Also read: What is West Nile Virus? Russia warns of an increase in the number of cases
West Nile virus is transmitted through mosquito bites. Birds are considered the natural hosts of the virus on which mosquitoes prey and become infected. The virus does not spread through human-to-human contact.
How old is West Nile fever?
West Nile virus infection was first discovered in Uganda in 1937. In 2019, a six-year-old boy from Malappuram, infected with a vector-borne disease, died due to West Nile virus infection.
In Kerala, it was first detected in 2011. Later, in 2022, a 47-year-old man from Thrissur district died of the West Nile virus infection. Most people infected with West Nile virus may not show symptoms, but it can cause a fatal neurological disease in humans.
(With PTI inputs)
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Published: May 8, 2024 07:35 IST