Prime Highlights
- West Nile virus has been detected in Fulton County, Georgia mosquito traps.
- Preventive measures are warned to local residents by health authorities, mostly elderly and immunocompromised residents.
Key Fact
- Not from person to person but through a mosquito bite.
- Most who get infected won’t be ill; only very infrequently will they become very ill.
Key Background
Fulton County health authorities reported that mosquito traps in northwest Atlanta and Hapeville contained West Nile virus (WNV). The mosquito-borne viral disease prompted a public health department to give a public advisory and suggest other measures for mosquito control.
Man becomes infected with West Nile virus mainly by the bite of a previously infected Culex mosquito after a blood meal from an infected bird. No man-to-man transmission. As many as 80% of infected patients are asymptomatic. The syndrome is classic in the rest of the patients and presents with fever, headache, weakness, and myalgia. Less than 1% are of viral origin and produce acute neurologic illness in the form of meningitis or encephalitis.
Starting at 60 years of age, the immunocompromised host, i.e., patients with predisposed states of underlying illness of hypertension or diabetes, are susceptible to frank disease with WNV infection. Severe disease is rare but always fatal in the susceptible host. All these patients with acute fever, confusion, and seizures need emergency medical intervention.
On confirmation, indigenous health authorities are intensifying mosquito surveillance and control activities. Preventive actions like draining of stagnant water, insect repellents, long-sleeved and long-pant attire, and intact window screens are also encouraged among the people. There is no vaccine or antiviral therapeutic agent available for West Nile virus. Symptomatic care and supportive treatment for severe disease are the forms of treatment. Public awareness and compliance are an even playing field in managing an epidemic.
