Israel Battles Early West Nile Virus Outbreak: 7 Dead, 81 Infected, 64 Hospitalized And 6 On Ventilators
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jul 02, 2024 5 months, 3 weeks, 9 hours, 54 minutes ago
Medical News: Israel is currently grappling with an early and severe outbreak of West Nile fever, with the Health Ministry reporting 81 diagnosed cases and seven fatalities as of the end of June. The majority of the cases are concentrated in the central region of the country, a hotspot due to its high humidity levels, which provide an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Israel Battles Early West Nile Virus Outbreak: 7 Dead, 81 Infected,
64 Hospitalized And 6 On Ventilators
According to latest
Medical News updates, among the infected, 64 individuals are hospitalized, and six are in critical condition, requiring ventilator support. While 20% of those infected are symptomatic, displaying fever, headaches, and body aches, about 1% are experiencing severe neurological issues, such as encephalitis or meningitis.
https://www.gov.il/en/pages/disease-west-nile-fever?chapterIndex=8
Understanding West Nile Virus
West Nile fever is caused by the West Nile virus (WNV), a flavivirus closely related to those that cause St. Louis encephalitis, Japanese encephalitis, and yellow fever. The virus is primarily transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes, which acquire the virus from feeding on infected birds. Human-to-human transmission does not occur.
Most people infected with WNV do not exhibit symptoms. About 20% develop a mild illness characterized by fever, headache, and body aches, while severe cases can lead to neurological diseases, including encephalitis and meningitis.
Symptoms of severe infection include high fever, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, tremors, seizures, paralysis, and in extreme cases, coma and death.
No Specific Treatment Available
Currently, there are no specific treatments or vaccines available for WNV infection. The disease management primarily involves supportive care to relieve symptoms. In severe cases, hospitalization is required to provide intensive care, including respiratory support for those with severe neurological involvement.
Preventive Measures and Public Health Recommendations
Given the current outbreak, the Israeli Ministry of Health (MOH) has issued several recommendations to reduce the risk of mosquito bites:
-Use Mosquito Repellents: Applying insect repellent on exposed skin can significantly reduce the risk of mosquito bites.
-Eliminate Standing Water: Female mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant water. It is crucial to replace water in vases, pet bowls, and other containers at least once a week to prevent mosquito breeding.
-Use Mosquito Nets and Screens: Ensuring that living spaces are well-screened and using mosquito nets can provide an additional layer of protection.
;
-Use Fans: Mosquitoes are weak fliers, and the use of fans can help keep them at bay in residential areas.
Global Warming and Early Virus Appearance
Experts, including Dr. Elad Goldberg, deputy director of the Internal Medicine Department at Beilinson Hospital, attribute the early appearance of the virus this year to the effects of global warming. The changes in climate have created conditions favorable for mosquito breeding earlier in the season, contributing to the heightened risk and earlier outbreak of WNV.
Vulnerable Populations
The MOH highlights that older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk of severe disease and complications from WNV. This demographic is particularly urged to follow preventive measures strictly.
Future Prospects: Vaccines and Research
While there are no licensed vaccines or specific treatments for WNV in humans, ongoing research offers a glimmer of hope. Several vaccine candidates have shown promising results in terms of safety and immunogenicity in clinical trials. Continued research and development are critical to combatting the threat of WNV effectively.
Conclusion
The current West Nile fever outbreak in Israel underscores the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in public health. With 81 cases, seven fatalities, and numerous hospitalizations, the situation calls for heightened awareness and adherence to preventive measures to mitigate the spread of the virus. The early onset of this year's outbreak, likely driven by global warming, highlights the need for adaptive strategies in response to changing environmental conditions. Public health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, advocating for preventive actions while supporting ongoing research efforts to develop effective vaccines and treatments for West Nile virus.
For the more updates about the West Nike Fever outbreak in Israel, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
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