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Source-This post on West Nile Virus (WNV) is based on the article “Kerala sounds warning on West Nile Virus; neighbouring States on guard” published in “The Hindu” on 17th May 2024.
Why in the News?
Kerala is facing its yearly struggle with several cases of West Nile Fever (WNF) reported in several districts of Kerala ahead of the South West monsoon.
About West Nile Virus (WNV)
| Aspects | Description |
| Type | Mosquito-borne, single-stranded RNA virus. |
| Family | Flavivirus, related to viruses causing St. Louis encephalitis, Japanese encephalitis, and yellow fever. |
| Transmission | Primarily through mosquito bites; birds are the natural hosts. |
| Transmission Cycle | 1. Culex mosquitoes is vector. 2. Birds are reservoir hosts which maintain the virus in nature. 3. Seasonal outbreaks coincide with bird migratory routes and periods of high mosquito activity. |
| Infection Process | 1. A mosquito bites an infected bird and acquires the virus. 2. The virus incubates in the mosquito, reaching its salivary glands. 3. The infected mosquito transmits WNV to humans and animals during subsequent bites. |
| Global Prevalence | Regions Affected: Common in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and West Asia. |
| Human Risk and Prevention | 1. Human-to-human transmission through casual contact is not possible. 2. Prevention of mosquito bites is crucial, especially during peak mosquito activity. |
Prevalence and Impact in India
1. First Detection: Antibodies first identified in humans in Mumbai, 1952.
2. Regional Reports: Virus detected in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and West Bengal.
3. Associated Health Issues: Linked to eye infections in Tamil Nadu and encephalitis outbreaks in Kerala.
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