..........is a disease you may have heard of over the last decade or so. WNV is a virus that is spread by what is known as a "vector", in this case being, mosquitos. It is a virus, not a bacteria! It is caused by a flavivirus, which is categorized in the family Flaviviridae. It has historically been endemic to tropical climates and regions. This means that it is a virus that has always been there in some shape or form, and will continue to be a normal pathogen in the area. This is no longer so. First discovered in Uganda, there have been outbreaks in Algeria and other tropical and sub-tropical countries. It has now become a global disease, first arriving in the United States in New York City in 1999. Since then, it has been recorded in all 50 states.
West Nile Virus is generally considered by pathologists to be a moderate to severe infectious disease. It is characterized by a common set of neurogenic issues such as fever, meningitis, encephalitis, meningioencephalitis and headaches. While this isn't the full range of symptoms, this is generally present with a diagnosis by blood test.
There are ways to prevent and avoid this disease in general, and it boils down to avoiding the vector. Mosquitos are unfortunately a pest that we all have to put up with on a seasonal basis. Wearing proper insect repellant, staying indoors during dawn and dusk (when mosquitos generally feed), wearing long sleeves and pants if you must go out at this time, and avoiding areas near fresh water. Unfortunately, this is difficult things for obvious reasons, but is a smart list to try and adhere to if possible.
Through the course of my studies this quarter, at UW, I will be updating this blog weekly with a new topic of discussion related to West Nile Virus. These will range from a more in depth discussion to signs and symptoms, to pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, nursing care, and prognosis. I am hoping this can be informative and helpful if you know anyone who has been afflicted with this virus, if you are similarly doing cursory research, or if you are just plain curious. Thanks and see you soon.
References:
"West Nile Virus." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for the Disease Control and Prevention, 30 Jan. 2015. Web. 31 Mar 2015
"West Nile Virus." Definition. Mayo Clinic. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2015
