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TEHRAN – The Iranian Ministry of Health has taken steps to prevent the spread of West Nile virus (WNV) in the country.
WNV is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. Most often, it is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. WNV cases occur during the mosquito season, which begins in the summer and continues until the fall.
"Fortunately, no one has ever been infected with the virus in the country," said Behzad Amiri, head of the zoonotic diseases department of the health ministry, ISNA reported Tuesday.
Border health centers are examining people who want to enter the country from affected countries and give them the necessary advice, he said.
West Nile virus is most often transmitted to people by the bite of an infected mosquito, infected after being fed on infected birds, mainly wild and migratory, he said.
Infected mosquitoes then transmit West Nile virus to humans and other animals by biting them.
More about West Nile Virus
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, the most effective way to prevent West Nile virus infection is to prevent mosquito bites. Mosquitoes bite day and night. Use an insect repellent, wear a shirt and long-sleeved pants, treat your clothes and equipment, and take measures to control mosquitoes inside and out.
There are no vaccines to prevent or drugs to treat WNV in humans. Fortunately, most people who are infected with WNV do not feel sick.
* Symptoms
No symptoms in most people. Most people (8 out of 10) infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms.
About 1 in 5 infected people develop fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rashes. Most people with this type of West Nile virus recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.
About 1 in every 150 infected people contract a serious disease of the central nervous system, such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord).
* Diagnostic
Consult your health care provider if you develop the symptoms described above.
Your health care provider may order West Nile Virus infection testing.
To learn more about the tests, visit our Health Care Providers page.
* Treatment
Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to reduce fever and relieve some symptoms.
In severe cases, patients often need to be hospitalized to receive supportive treatment, such as intravenous solutions, pain medications, and nursing care.
If you think that you or someone in your family is infected with West Nile virus, talk to your health care provider.
SB / MG
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