Do not panic, says Kerala minister after West Nile fever dies

In Kerala, after the death of Malappuram, a six-year-old West Nile fever child, on Monday, widespread vector control measures were undertaken in the city. According to health officials, the child would be infected with this rare viral disease by mosquito bites, but people have also been asked to monitor where the birds are densely populated, as they are also an intermediary. This disease is not spread from one human touch to another, according to officials.

The child was under treatment at Kozhikode Medical College. "This is not the first case of West Nile disease in India, but it could be the first reported death.In Kerala even, in 2018, we had a case of West Nile fever, which has been confirmed by tests done at Manipal but not at the National Institute.There is no need to panic.The West Nile's mortality rate may be very low, at 1 out of 150 maybe but Japanese encephalitis has a higher death rate, and people need to take precautionary measures, "said senior health official Dr. Meenakshi. the Kerala government, told NDTV.

The Central Ministry of Health as well as the National Center for Disease Control have examined the readiness of Kerala and the measures taken to deal with West Nile fever.

"The Ministry also recommended that vector monitoring and control be done in coordination with the National Vector-borne Disease Control Program (NVBDCP) .All cases of JE / AES infection should be reviewed in accordance with JE / AES guidelines and also tested for West Nile Virus.In addition, IEC campaigns on the use of personal protective measures to prevent mosquito bites should sensitize the community, in accordance with the NVBDCP guidelines.

West Nile fever is a mosquito-borne zoonotic disease caused by a flavivirus – West Nile Virus (WNV). This virus is linked to the viruses responsible for Japanese encephalitis, yellow fever and St. Louis encephalitis, "the ministry statement said.

Kerala's health minister, KK Shailaja, had previously said, "Do not panic, strict precautionary measures have been taken.If it is treated early, West Nile virus can be cured." therefore, in case of fever or other symptoms, it is necessary to call a doctor at the earliest. "

The first symptoms of the disease include fever and severe headaches. "Anyone with symptoms should seek immediate medical attention and not treat themselves.Identifying the disease at the earliest is the key to treatment," said a senior state medical officer.

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