West Nile fever in Kerala: State govt orders all districts to be vigilant

Kerala government has said West Nile fever cases have been reported from Thrissur, Malappuram and Kozhikode districts of the State.

The Kerala government on May 7 said West Nile fever cases have been reported from Thrissur, Malappuram and Kozhikode districts of the State.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George, in a statement, confirmed that cases of the viral infection have been reported in the State and that all the districts have been asked to be vigilant.

As part of the vigil against the viral fever, spread by the Culex species of mosquitoes, the Minister has ordered that steps be taken for mosquito control by destroying their breeding grounds, the statement said.

Ms. George said there was no need to be concerned, but requested anyone showing signs of fever or other symptoms of the West Nile infection to seek treatment immediately.

The main symptoms of West Nile infection are headache, fever, muscle aches, dizziness and loss of memory, but most patients do not experience these, she said.

Some people experience symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting and itching, and in 1% of the cases, it can lead to brain damage resulting in unconsciousness and sometimes death, the Minister's statement said.

But the death rate is relatively low compared to Japanese encephalitis which shows similar symptoms and is more dangerous.