West Nile Fever

West Nile fever is a viral disease caused by mosquitoes that feed on infected birds that is the acting reservoir of the virus. The usual vector mosquito is from the genus Culex or most commonly known as northern house mosquito.

Three different effects on humans:

Asymptomatic infection – no symptoms
West Nile Fever – mild febrile syndrome
West Nile Meningitis/Encephalitis – a neuroinvasive disease

Symptoms

Usually appear five (5) to fifteen (15) days from the time of an infected mosquito bite. Mostly West Nile Virus infections produce no symptoms in people, or symptoms are mild or moderate. Infected persons who are 50 years or older are at a higher risk of developing severe infection.

If surfaced the usual symptoms include:

• Fever
• Coma
• Stupor
• Paralysis
• Headache
• Body Pain
• Skin Rashes
• Convulsion
• Disorientation
• Weak Muscles
• Neck Stiffness
• Swelling of lymph glands

Causes

West Nile Virus is transmitted from Culex and some Aedes species of mosquito to people through bite. Can also affect horses and once a human or horse is infected, the virus is no longer capable of transmitting.

Treatment

There is no specific drug or therapy that really cures this disease as of this time. Possible solution is intensive monitoring to avoid more complications to the infected person. Mostly remedies that is applicable focuses more on prevention, but reports suggest that using Saint John’s Wort can cure West Nile Virus infection

Vinegar:
Use a cotton ball and white vinegar and dab it on the bite

Lavender:
Simply dab a little lavender essential oil onto the bite and the swelling goes away

Citronella and myrrh oils:
Few drops of both oils in the palm and apply in skin, works as repellant when outdoors.

Prevention

Make sure to put screens in doors and windows.
Avoid or removed stagnant water in and around the house
Avoid outdoor activities at dawn, dusk and in the early evening.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are outdoors.
Apply insect repellant in parts of the body that are exposed during outdoors activities