West Nile Virus Claims Two More Lives In US: Know Its Symptoms

West Nile virus has claimed two more lives in the US, taking the overall dealth toll to five, state health officials reported on Friday. Both patients were residents of New Jersey. Earlier, two people in eastern Wisconsin and one person in northeastern Illinois died from the illness.

"This death—along with the six reported in Illinois last year—serves as a stark reminder of the serious risks posed by West Nile virus, particularly to older adults and those with weakened immune systems," said Dr Sameer Vohra, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, in a statement.

West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne illness primarily transmitted by the Culex species of mosquitoes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people infected with WNV do not show symptoms. However, about 20% may develop West Nile fever, characterized by symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and rash.

In rare cases, WNV can lead to severe neurological conditions, including encephalitis or meningitis, which can present with symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, tremors, and muscle weakness. These severe forms of the disease can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.

To reduce the risk of infection, the CDC recommends taking precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent containing DEET, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito activity times, typically at dawn and dusk. Additionally, eliminating standing water around homes can help reduce mosquito breeding sites.