(Source – The Hindu, Section – States, Page – 3)
Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Health |
Context: |
● Kerala issues alert as West Nile fever claims one life and infects eight in Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Thrissur. ● Health authorities reassure the public, citing ongoing infection reports since 2011. ● Symptoms include fever, headache, and neurological issues; no human-to-human transmission reported. |
Analysis of the news:
- The Kerala government issued an alert against West Nile fever after detecting 1 death and 8 cases in Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Thrissur districts.
West Nile Fever |
● Virus Origin: First identified in the West Nile region of Uganda in 1937. ● Transmission: Primarily transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, particularly Culex species, with no documented human-to-human transmission. ● Geographical Spread: Found in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and parts of Asia. ● Symptoms: Most cases are asymptomatic, but common symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, and fatigue. Severe cases can lead to neurological complications such as encephalitis or meningitis. ● Risk Factors: Individuals with weakened immune systems or older adults are at higher risk of developing severe illness. ● Diagnosis: Usually confirmed through blood tests to detect antibodies or viral genetic material. ● Treatment: No specific antiviral treatment exists; management focuses on relieving symptoms and providing supportive care. ● Prevention: Mosquito control measures such as insecticide spraying and removing standing water breeding sites are essential. Personal protective measures like wearing long sleeves and using insect repellents are also recommended. ● Vaccine: No vaccine currently available for humans. |
- A 79-year-old man from Thrissur succumbed to the infection on May 3.
- Kozhikode reported 5 cases, Malappuram has 2 suspected cases, and Thrissur had 1 death.
- District Medical Officers are instructed to intensify pre-monsoon cleaning drives.
- Diagnosis of the infection was confirmed through lab tests, with samples sent to the National Institute of Virology, Pune, for official confirmation.
- Treatment mainly involves supportive care, including hospitalisation, intravenous fluids, and respiratory support, with no vaccine currently available for humans.
Consider the following statements: (2017) 1. In tropical regions, Zika virus disease is transmitted by the same mosquito that transmits dengue. 2. Sexual transmission of Zika virus disease is possible. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only Ans: (c) |
Practice Question: Analyse the West Nile fever outbreak in Kerala, focusing on its impact, government actions, diagnostic challenges, and preventive strategies. (150 Words /10 marks) |