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The Kerala health department has reported cases of West Nile fever in three districts. The state government has ordered all districts to remain alert and issued instructions to take mosquito control measures by increasing pre-monsoon cleanliness drives and monitoring activities.
According to health officials, five cases of the vector-borne disease were reported in the northern district of Kozhikode on Tuesday, May 6. Cases of West Nile fever have also been reported in Malappuram and Thrissur districts.
Also read: What is West Nile Fever? How it spreads, symptoms, treatment, other details here
“Of the five cases reported so far in the district, four have recovered and one is currently undergoing treatment at the Government Medical College Hospital,” Kozhikode District Collector Snehil Kumar Singh said, HT reported.
“Cases of West Nile fever have been reported in the district earlier also. It is similar to dengue. There is no reason for worry or panic right now. There are no hot spots,” Snehil Kumar Singh told HT.
Also read: West Nile fever scare after death in Kerala: Experts on causes, symptoms and treatment
In view of these developments, state Health Minister Veena George in a statement confirmed that cases of West Nile viral infection have been reported in the state. He urged all the district officials to remain alert. Authorities issued orders to take mosquito control measures to destroy their breeding sites.
Culex species of mosquitoes are considered to be the cause of viral fever. Citizens showing fever or other symptoms of West Nile infection are urged to seek immediate treatment. Meanwhile, the Health Minister said that there is no need to worry.
Also read: What is West Nile Virus? Russia warned of increasing cases
West Nile virus is transmitted through mosquito bites. Birds are considered the natural hosts of this virus which are preyed on by mosquitoes and become infected. This virus does not spread through human-to-human contact.
How ancient is West Nile fever?
West Nile viral infection was first detected in Uganda in 1937. In 2019, a six-year-old boy from Malappuram, infected with the vector-borne disease, died due to West Nile viral infection.
In Kerala, it was first detected in 2011. Later, in 2022, a 47-year-old man from Thrissur district died of West Nile viral infection. Most people infected with West Nile virus may show no symptoms, but it can cause fatal neurological disease in humans.
(With PTI inputs)
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Published: 08 May 2024, 07:35 am IST
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