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There have been 10 cases of West Nile fever recorded since the beginning of summer in Veneto, a data defined as "not alarming" by the regional health authorities, which since 2007 have been activating specific protocols in the hospital establishments (more …)
According to the ANSA report, among the ten cases, only one is clbadified as "serious", that is to say that it presents a clinical picture that can evolve into encephalitis. The disease, caused by the virus carried by some mosquitoes, in 80% of cases, shows no symptoms, in 20% of cases, a fever similar to a slight influence and in 0.1% can evolve to a more severe form
started to monitor in the hottest and most humid periods, when West Nile virus is more likely to spread. (ANSA).
THE FIRST CASE
The West Nile virus, which appeared in Veneto in 2008, is transmitted to humans by infected Culex mosquitoes that sting mainly at dusk and at night. After the discovery of the first case, the Department of Prevention of the Sanitary and Social Area of the Veneto Region published a series of information regarding the recurrence of the virus, transmitted by the common mosquito of the genus Culex present on our territory. "The human contagion in the neuroinvasive form – declared in a note by Health Advisor Luca Coletton – is fortunately not frequent, but when it is presented, the health system, already alerted, is able to recognize easily disease and deliver effective treatment, when a patient presents with certain symptoms of neurological involvement. "
THE LAST DEVELOPMENTS (more …)
In recent days, they have been captured, in some traps located in Jesolo, Ceggia, Caorle and Motta di Livenza (in the territory of ULSS 4), three pools of "Culex pipiens" mosquitoes positive for West Nile virus. To note the presence of the virus in insects, it was the Experimental Zooprofilattico Institute of Venice. It should be remembered that this virus can be very dangerous if it infects frail elderly or other diseases, in which it can cause severe forms of meningoencephalitis, while in healthy people it gives rise to a clinical picture similar to that of influenza. Two weeks after the bite of the infected mosquito.
INCUBATION
The incubation period from the bite of infected mosquito varies between 2 and 14 days, but it can also be 21 days in subjects with deficiencies of the immune system. Most infected people have no symptoms. These symptoms can last for a few days, in rare cases a few weeks, and can vary considerably depending on the age of the person. In children, a mild fever is more common, in young people, the symptomatology is characterized by a high average fever, redness of the eyes, headaches and muscular pains. In the elderly and debilitated, however, the symptoms may be more severe
SYMPTOMS
The most severe symptoms occur on average in less than 1% of those infected (1 in 150 people), and include high fever , severe headache, muscle weakness, disorientation, tremors, visual disturbances, numbness, convulsions, up to paralysis and coma. Some neurological effects may be permanent. In the most severe cases (about 1 in 1,000), the virus can cause lethal encephalitis. The diagnosis is mainly made by laboratory tests (Elisa or Immunofluorescence) carried out on serum and, where appropriate, on cerebrospinal fluid, for the detection of IgM antibodies. These antibodies can persist even for very long periods in sick individuals (up to one year), so positivity to these tests may also indicate an earlier infection. Samples taken within 8 days of the onset of symptoms may be negative, so it is recommended to repeat the lab test later before excluding the disease. Alternatively, the diagnosis can also be made by PCR or viral culture on samples of serum and cerebrospinal fluid
VACCINE AND ADVICE (continued …)
There is no vaccine against West Nile fever. Currently, they are studying vaccines, but for the moment, prevention mainly consists of reducing exposure to mosquito bites. There is not even any specific treatment for West Nile fever. In most cases, the symptoms go away after a few days or can last for a few weeks. In severe cases, however, hospitalization is necessary, where the treatments administered include intravenous infusions and badisted respiration.
TIP
It is useful to empty each container of daily use with water and, if possible, to invert, cover hermetically (even through tight mesh nets) immobile containers. (bins, cisterns). In order to avoid mosquito bites in environments where air conditioning is not available, it is strongly recommended to apply windows and doors to tightly woven nets, in addition to l & # 39; use of liquid or platelet electro-emissive devices. On the outside, for personal protection against mosquito bites, it is advisable to wear light colored clothing, as well as cover material (long sleeves and long pants). A sufficient level of protection is also provided by the use of repellents to be applied directly to the skin, by repeating the treatment frequently.
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