West Nile Virus Research Paper

West Nile virus is a disease transmitted by certain mosquitoes that carry a disease that can cause serious brain inflammation. West Nile Virus originated in Uganda, in 1937. The virus has now spread rapidly across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. The virus is most commonly advanced through mosquitoes, particularly the Culex pipiens mosquito. Humans are most commonly affected, especially those over the age of 50, by this disease although some animals such as bats, horses, cats, dogs, skunks and many more. The mosquitoes become infected when they feed on birds that have already previously been tainted by West Nile. The birds become infected when they prey on a sick or dead birds that are already carrying the virus. The first reported
About 70%-80% of people carrying the disease don’t even know that they have it. About 1 in every 5 people with the virus will show mild- moderate symptoms. Mild symptoms that this person will experience include fevers, headaches, body aches, vomiting, and a rash. A person who has this level of the virus will usually be back to normal in no time. While having extreme symptoms is very rare, it is not impossible. Less than 1% of people endure serious- life threatening symptoms. These symptoms include illnesses, for example, encephalitis or meningitis. Other severe symptoms are high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, and seizures. Around 10% of people who develop serious cases will die. There are a few ways a doctor can diagnose you for West Nile Virus. The most prevalent being Laboratory tests. If you think you have acquired the disease, the diagnosis can be made through a simple blood test. Your blood test will show up with higher levels of anitbodies. (Proteins your body makes to fight off infections). The second way the virus is found is through a procedure called lumbar puncture. A needle is inserted into the patients lower vertebrae to obtain a sample of fluid to send over to a lab. If the sample shows an amount of white cells surpassing the usual amount, it is a characteristic of antibodies as well. The third diagnosis is through tests on the brain. You will be placed in an MRI scanner to
The first, and obvious strategy is to avoid mosquitoes. We all love to be outside but especially in the summer months when it is warmer outside and from the hours of dusk to dawn, mosquitoes are most active during these times. You should always have bug repellent on whether it be the spray on kind, the bracelets, or wipes. Anything is better than nothing. You can also protect yourself by wearing long sleeve shirts and pants, however mosquitoes are known to bite through thin clothing, so be careful! Mosquitoes love still water so if you see any water in your home or community that you think could result to West Nile, drain it or report it to your local authorities. If you see any dead birds also report that to your local authorities. These methods do no insure that you will never be infected by the disease so if you do happen to be diagnosed with West Nile, here are some treatments/remedies. There is no specific treatment or vaccine that is given to a person carrying the disease. People who experience mild symptoms usually get better with no medical help. People who suffer from severe affects can be hospitalized and given fluids through an IV. Some patients may need a ventilator to help them breathe properly. Other than this doctors can only make their patients comfortable and make sure they do not get any other infectious diseases. Doctors are still working to try