Three West Nile Virus Cases Detected

Two patients were admitted to hospital yesterday after seeking medical attention with symptoms including an upper respiratory tract infection, sore throat, fever and fatigue. Tests subsequently confirmed that both had contracted West Nile virus.

The ministry said both patients were in better general condition today compared with yesterday and currently faced no life-threatening risk.

A third person, who had no symptoms, also tested positive for the virus during routine blood tests.

The Ministry of Health said the condition of all three patients was being closely monitored.

What Is West Nile Fever?

According to an information note issued by the ministry, West Nile fever is a viral disease transmitted to humans through bites from Culex mosquitoes.

The disease is caused by West Nile virus, which is maintained in nature primarily through a cycle involving wild birds and mosquitoes. Humans and horses are considered “dead-end hosts”, as infected people do not carry enough virus in their blood to infect another mosquito.

Most Cases Have No Symptoms

Around 80% of people infected with West Nile virus develop no symptoms.

In the remaining 20%, a flu-like illness lasting between three and 10 days may develop. Common symptoms include:

• High fever
• Severe headache
• Fatigue and weakness
• Muscle and joint pain
• Vomiting
• Skin rash
• Swollen lymph nodes

Severe Cases Can Affect the Brain

Less than 1% of infected people develop the severe, neuroinvasive form of the disease.

In such cases, the virus can reach the central nervous system and cause potentially life-threatening conditions such as encephalitis, inflammation of the brain, or meningitis, inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain.

Severe forms are particularly associated with older people and those with weakened immune systems.

No Vaccine or Specific Treatment

The ministry said there is currently no vaccine for West Nile fever for humans and no medication that directly targets the virus.

Treatment is supportive, while the most effective way to prevent infection is to avoid mosquito bites.

The Ministry of Health recommends:

1. Installing mosquito screens on windows and doors.
2. Emptying or changing water in plant saucers, portable pools and containers at least once a week to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
3. Removing all stagnant water around living areas.
4. Wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting, long-sleeved clothing and long trousers when outdoors during periods of mosquito activity.
5. Using mosquito repellents to prevent mosquitoes from approaching.