Nile Fever, also known as West Nile Disease, is a viral infection transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes, which can cause symptoms ranging from passing fever to meningitis. Learn more about Meningitis in Adult Meningitis Symptoms. This disease can be transmitted by mosquitoes to other animals such as birds or horses, and is more common in the elderly.
In most cases, Nile Fever does not cause symptoms, but symptoms such as headache, weakness, body pain, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle and joint pain are common, and this disease is more common in the elderly.
Main Symptoms
When Nile Disease progresses more mildly it causes mild symptoms that include:
- Fever; Malaise; Anorexia; Nausea; Vomiting; Eye Pain; Headache; Pain in muscles or joints; Red spot on the skin with bubbles.
Most people with these types of symptoms fully recover within a few days, but symptoms such as fatigue and general weakness can persist for a few weeks or months.
In certain cases, the disease can progress and cause neurological diseases and more serious symptoms, such as meningitis, encephalitis or polio. Meningitis is the disease that most often arises as a result of Nile Fever, and causes symptoms that include:
- Fever; Muscle weakness and weakness; Stomach pain; Nausea or vomiting; Stiff neck.
In addition, Meningitis can also cause other symptoms such as diarrhea or constipation.
How the diagnosis is made
The diagnosis of this disease can be made through the analysis of the symptoms experienced, especially symptoms of fever, malaise, vomiting, nausea, pain in the eyes and headache. In addition, the doctor will also order a specific blood test, which will detect the presence of antibodies against West Nile virus.
How the treatment is done
There is still no vaccine or specific treatment to treat Nile Fever or to effectively eliminate the virus from the body, and so the treatment recommended by the doctor serves to relieve the symptoms of fever, malaise, nausea, vomiting, among others. Thus, the doctor will be able to prescribe drugs like Paracetamol to control fever and relieve headache, and metoclopramide to relieve nausea and vomiting.
In the most severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary, in order to carry out treatment with serum in the vein to hydrate, and the use of machines to help breathe may also be necessary.
How to get Nile Fever
In most cases, Nile Fever is transmitted from the bite of the infected mosquito, but in rarer cases this disease has also been transmitted through:
- Blood transfusions; Organ transplants; Breastfeeding or breastfeeding.
In addition, in regions with a disease focus, it is also necessary to avoid handling dead animals, to avoid skin contact with blood or other body fluids of affected animals..
Generally, Nile Fever has an easy recovery, but often the symptoms can be severe, so it is necessary to rest at home for a few days. Generally, people who live in regions where mosquitoes are infected or over 50 are more likely to be infected.
