INSURRECTION/ SP MPs rebel, drag Gjati to vote on territorial division!

 Kliko këtu për të tjera
Voxpress:

West Nile Fever/ How it is transmitted, symptoms and who is most at risk

2026-08-27 08:00:58Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

West Nile Fever/ How it is transmitted, symptoms and who is most at risk

The World Health Organization (WHO) has brought the risk of West Nile virus back to the forefront, at a time when cases are increasing in several European countries.

According to the WHO, the virus is mainly transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes, while the natural cycle of the virus develops mainly between mosquitoes and birds.

The WHO notes that about 80% of infected people do not show symptoms. In cases where they do, symptoms can include fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and, in some cases, skin rash.

However, a small proportion of those infected can develop severe forms of the disease, which affect the nervous system and can cause encephalitis or meningitis.

According to the WHO, about 1 in 150 people infected may develop neuroinvasive disease. The elderly and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of severe complications.

The WHO notes that most human cases in Europe occur during the months when mosquitoes are most active. High temperatures and favorable conditions for mosquito breeding may contribute to the spread of the virus.

What is West Nile Fever?

West Nile fever is a viral disease that is transmitted primarily through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The virus circulates primarily between mosquitoes and birds, while humans and horses can be infected when bitten by a carrier mosquito.

How does a person become infected?
The main cycle is:

Infected bird → mosquito → human

The mosquito becomes infected after biting a bird carrying the virus. Then, when biting a person, the virus can be passed on to a human.

West Nile fever is not transmitted through casual contact between people. It is not spread by hugging, kissing, coughing, or through food.

In very rare cases, transmission can occur through blood transfusion, organ transplantation, or from mother to child.

What are the symptoms?

Most infected people do not show symptoms. When they do appear, they may include: fever; headache; fatigue; muscle and joint pain; nausea or vomiting; diarrhea and skin rash.

When does the virus become dangerous?

In a small number of cases, the infection can affect the nervous system and cause encephalitis or meningitis.

More severe signs include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, muscle weakness, impaired consciousness, and neurological problems.

The elderly and people with weakened immune systems are more at risk of severe forms of the disease.

Is there a vaccine?

There is currently no licensed vaccine for humans nor a specific antiviral treatment for West Nile Fever.

Treatment is mainly supportive and severe cases may require hospitalization.

How to protect ourselves?

The main protection is avoiding mosquito bites: using repellents; wearing clothes that cover arms and legs; placing nets on windows and doors and eliminating stagnant water near homes.


Në përputhje me standarded JTI

Video

SHIKO KANALIN NE YOUTUBE
×