West Nile Virus is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus was first discovered in Uganda, in 1937. Years that followed the discovery West Nile Virus emerged in other regions of Africa, West Asia, and the Middle East. The virus is sometimes referred to as West Nile encephalitis (Inflammation of the brain and membrane surrounding it) or West Nile meningoencephalitis (Inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord). Scientist believe the West Nile Virus probably been in the Eastern United States since the early summer of 1999. From that time, the virus has spread across North American continent in 48 States, throughout Mexico and seven Canadian provinces. Also, researchers have detected the virus in Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Domincan Republic, Guadeloupe and El Salvador.
According to medical cases, West Nile encephalitis occur primarily in the late summer or early fall, and between latitudes 23.5 degree and 66.5 degree north and south. However in south California, where temperatures are milder, West Nile Virus can be transmitted year round. In 2004, published article in the Science, found that Culex pipiens mosquitoes existing in Europe, transmitted the Nile Virus by bites to birds (More than 130 species of birds have been reported to be infected by this virus.) and humans. Foremost the best protection applying to the skin insect repellent, which contains either DEET or Picardin (KBR 3023). Also, certain products that contain permethrin recommended for use on clothing, bed nets, shoes, and camping gear. Emptying accumulation of water from flower – pots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, buckets, barrels and swimming pool covers prevent mosquitoes breading grounds.
According to US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), reported an increase of more than 34 percent of the West Nile Virus infection in 2006 compared to 2005. Also, reported 135 fatalities. Estimated twenty percent of people infected (after a bite of the mosquito) with West Nile Virus develop a fever. Symptoms generally appear within 2 – 14 days includes: Headache, fever, tiredness, and body aches, occasionally with a skin rash, and swollen lymph glands. Severe symptoms (neuroinvasive disease) in approximately 1 in 150 persons infected: Disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, neck stiffness, stupor, high fever, and paralysis. People over the age 50, transplant patients, and those with weak immune systems are more perceptible to severe symptoms. Those patients require hospitalization, administering IV fluids (prevent dehydration), respiratory support and prevention of secondary infections. Main treatment objective, improving the symptoms but does not shorten the course of illness. Statistically, less then one percent, will contract the West Nile Virus and developing serious illness. The virus has been known to be cause fatalities.
The differences between cold or flu virus usually lasts only up to ten days, while the illness caused by the bacteria, sustains itself more than two weeks. When a person is infected with the virus, antibodies (IgM) are produced. A West Nile Laboratory test can detect these antibodies found in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Upon the onset of symptoms, this test can confirm the presence of the virus within eight days. According to US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 15,000 people in the United States have tested positive for West Nile Virus infection since 1999, including over 500 deaths. Case studies have shown the virus can be transmitted through infected blood transfusion, breast milk, and transplanted organs. Precautionary methods should be considered including the use of gloves or double plastic gloves, worn when handling live or dead infected birds. No vaccine available to prevent West Nile Virus in humans or birds, except in horses. In 2002, estimated West Nile related health care cost $200 million.
In December 2006, Spectral Diagnostics Incorporated (public traded company: Symbol SDI.TO) (Toronto, Canada) announced that the Food and Drug Administration approved its West Nile Virus Test (IGM Status test) for use in marketing clinical patients. Previously, the FDA has given approval to the company for rapid diagnosing sepsis (Serious medical condition could cause death, resulting from the immune system response to a severe infection. Bacteria travels through the bloodstream.), and a range of other biological reagents. Specral President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Walker said: “This is the first test that can be used to diagnose West Nile Virus infection on an individual basis with results available in fifteen minutes.” According to the company, other current testing practices may take considerably longer time to provide clinical results. In 2007, Specral plans to make the test widely available within the United States (in time), when the virus season starts in the spring, and ends in the fall, during which time the disease is transmitted to humans, birds and animals by mosquitoes.
In 2006, the state of Mississippi had a record number of thirteen deaths, related to the West Nile Virus, compared to the previous record of a dozen in 2002. Mississippi ranks third in West Nile deaths, behind Texas and Idaho states. According to CDC, the disease can be transmitted year round in milder climates, such as in Mississippi.
