West Nile virus is a virus that is found in both tropical as well as temperate regions and belongs to family flaviviridae. Microscopic structure reveals that it is a 45- 50 nm virion shelled by a smooth protein surface.
The genome of the virion is made up of single stranded RNA consisting of 11,000-12,000 nucleotides. It encodes structural as well as non structural proteins.
The virus mainly affects birds. Besides this it infects mammals too. The route of infection is mainly through a bite of infected mosquito.
Before considering the treatments it is necessary to look for the signs and symptoms that prompt the west Nile Virus treatments. Symptoms usually develop after 10-14 days of infection.
Some of the common west Nile virus signs and symptoms include,
- Fever- it appears as an abrupt start and accompanied by swollen lymph nodes. Onset for the fever usually requires 3 – 14 days.
- Headache- it is a pain anywhere near the head and neck region.
- Skin rash – it is defined as a change in the color, texture and appearance of the skin.
- Eye pain – pain in the eye due to aching or burning sensation.
Signs and symptoms of serious infection include,
- High fever
- Confusion or disorientation- it is loss of awareness of the environment and surrounding around the patient.
- Coma- it is defined as a state of unconsciousness in which a person can’t be awakened. The sufferer lacks to initiate any voluntary actions and is referred to as comatose. He cannot be awakened and fails to respond to painful stimuli.
- Convulsions- it is a medical condition where the muscles of the body contract and relax rapidly that results in an uncontrolled shaking of the body.
It is the first sign of epileptic seizure that is consistent with an electric shock.
There are no permanent west Nile virus treatments. Most of the treatments aim to provide relief against the condition.
Like symptoms, west Nile virus treatments are also divided into,
Treatment for mild cases: it includes treatment against mild fever that may persist for more than one week. One has take medicines like acetaminophen to get some relief from fever and discomfort. Apart from this one should drink plenty of fluids and rest in bed.
Treatment for severe cases: Immediate medical attention is required if a person complains of severe headaches as it may lead to encephalitis and other severe forms of the condition. Supportive care may be required that includes,
- Medication to control seizures- seizures are sudden brain problems that occur due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain
- Ventilator for breathing support- ventilator is a machine that helps in moving breathable air in and out of lungs, if a person is physically unable to breathe sufficiently.
Modern ventilators are operated by computerized machines. Mostly, these machines are used under emergency and intensive care medications.
Simplest form of ventilator consists of a compressible air reservoir, oxygen supply, tubes and a disposable patient circuit.
- Secondary infections- it is an infection that sets or follows another infection. Secondary infections vary depending on its severity and frequency.
Factors that are responsible for its risk include health and immunity of the patient.
The sole cause of secondary infection is suppression of the immune system. Secondary infection can be treated as a complication in a patient with compromised immune system.
People who are at its risk are often those who have undergone extensive surgery and the ones with serious medical conditions.
Conclusion over west Nile virus treatment is disputed as what treatment suits a person depends on its early identification and the immune condition of the patient.
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