This summer, the United States has been plagued with concerns about the increasing cases of mosquito-borne infections such as the Zika and West Nile viruses. Even though the Zika virus threats overshadowed the concerns on West Nile virus, public health officials stressed that West Nile virus should also get more attention as it has been considered as more deadly compared to Zika virus.
Even though Zika virus has been considered as a global public health threat by the World Health Organization, state and county health officials have been warning the public to take the necessary precautions against West Nile virus, Houston Chronicle noted. In fact, recent data shows a dire increase on the type of mosquito that carries the virus locally.
According to Penn State Extension's West Nile Virus program administrator Thomas L. Smith, residents should be vigilant in ensuring that there are no mosquito breeding grounds in their areas, as well as standing water. Public health experts also stressed that the warning does not intend to ignite fears and concerns but rather raise awareness that the country is not only vulnerable to Zika virus but to West Nile virus as well, as per York Daily Record.
So, what exactly is West Nile virus? As Parent Herald previously reported, West Nile virus is a flavivirus that is carried by almost 65 mosquito species and its host are birds. Although West Nile virus can't be sexually transmitted, it can still be spread from mother to child through breastfeeding.
What's more alarming, however, is the fact that West Nile virus is deadlier than Zika, noting the statistics that 1,900 had died due to the virus since 199 in the United States. According to Sacramento Bee, only a small percentage can develop a severe case of West Nile virus infection, however, it can be life-threatening if the infected individuals are over the age of 50 or under the age of 12.
At worst, West Nile virus infections can cause neurologic symptoms such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). Additionally, West Nile virus can also cause muscle weakness, polio-like paralysis, confusion or inability to think clearly and loss of consciousness, coma or death.
Meanwhile, it's still uncertain why the West Nile virus infection has been prevalent this summer. But public health authorities believed the California drought in 2014 and 2015 has something to do with it since fewer sources of available water lead birds and mosquitoes crammed together at remaining water sources, eventually spreading the virus.
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