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Brilio.net - The deadly West Nile outbreak is now attacking Israel. Adapting from the Jerusalem Post, it was reported that 100 people had been infected. The West Nile virus has so far plagued most of the population of Central Israel and some of the Sharon region. Among the infected patients, most were treated at Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba.
Meanwhile, six other patients are being treated at Sheba Medical Center, and three of them are receiving ventilator treatment and are in critical condition. Of the infected patients, five patients were declared dead, at the Rabin Medical Center Beilinson Campus in Petah Tikva.
Even though it is still spreading to Israel, it is not impossible if it happens in Indonesia. Therefore, it is important to understand what West Nile is, the deadly virus that is attacking Israel. Reported by brilio.net from various sources on Tuesday (2/7), here is the complete review.
What is West Nile virus?
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West Nile, a type of virus caused by wildlife. This virus lives among birds. The journey when infected usually begins when a mosquito bites a bird and then transmits the virus to the bird's body.
In the next stage, mosquitoes continue to bite and then transmit the virus to animals and humans. Generally this virus is considered a mild illness, but in some cases it can cause severe illness and even death.
When infected with West Nile virus, a person shows no symptoms and it usually goes away on its own. However, only a handful of cases have symptoms similar to bird flu and then disappear by themselves.
The most common symptoms when infected with West Nile are:
- Fever
- Headache
- Weak
- Joint and muscle pain
- Conjunctivitis
- Rash
- Nausea and diarrhea.
This disease is reported to be severe in only 1% of cases and includes neurological signs. For example meningitis, account encephalitis or even acute flaccid paralysis. Meanwhile, if an infected patient enters a severe stage, they may show several symptoms, including:
- Fever lasting more than 1 week
- Often vomits when drinking
- Not urinating for more than 10 hours
- Rapid breathing (more than 20 times per minute for adults, 40 times per minute for children)
- Loss of consciousness
- Reluctant to light
- Headache of unusual intensity.
The incubation period when infected with West Nile virus varies between 7 and 14 days. Apart from that, there are also those that last between 3 and 21 days. Even though it attacks animals and humans, this virus has not been found to transmit from humans to other humans.
Furthermore, West Nile virus does not yet have a specific treatment. However, efforts that can be made when infected are giving intravenous antibody infusions, IVIG, or interferon drugs. The goal is to strengthen the immune system's ability to fight and eliminate viruses in the body.
People at risk of infection with West Nile virus
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People who are easily infected with the West Nile virus outbreak include:
1. Patients who have a history of chronic disease. The reason is that it stresses the body's immune system so it is easy to get infected.
2. Cancer patients with a poor immune system.
3. Baby.
4. Elderly people.
West Nile virus treatment
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So far, there is no vaccine for humans against West Nile plague. There is only a vaccine for horses. However, if it infects humans, you can take pain relievers such as ibuprofen or aspirin to relieve symptoms of muscle pain or headaches.
If the sufferer experiences brain swelling or other severe symptoms. Usually give intravenous fluids and medication to reduce the risk of infection. Even though they don't have a cure yet, researchers are still developing interferon therapy for the West Nile virus. This therapy aims to use substances produced to improve the body's immune system to be able to treat encephalitis in people who have been infected with the West Nile virus.
Unfortunately, so far research on interferon therapy has not been conducive so it is not safe to use. However, other potential treatments can be studied in treating West Nile virus infection, including:
- Intravenous polyclonal immunoglobulin (IGIV).
- West Nile virus recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody (MGAWN1).
- Corticosteroids.
West Nile virus prevention steps
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Before being infected, you need to take precautions against this disease, including:
1. Protect yourself from mosquito bites. The reason is, mosquitoes are the main carriers of this virus.
2. Do not come into contact with sick animals. If you have to take your animal to the doctor, you need to use gloves.
3. Avoid the risk of transmission through blood transfusions or organ transplants. It is necessary to limit donors from areas that have the potential to have West Nile virus. At least a laboratory application is required first.
(brl/mal)
