Authorities from the Illinois Department of Public Health said on Monday that the first case of West Nile virus this year was discovered in Illinois. A teenager became ill last month, and this is the first human case of 2016.
The last human case of West Nile virus confirmed was on August 19 last year, and after that, 76 other cases arisen. 9 out of the 77 died due to the severe affection.
Due to the case discovered, Illinois is now under alert to protect people from the spreading of the virus. Nausea, fever, headache and muscle aches are part of the symptoms. West Nile virus is transmitted to humans y mosquito bites, and mosquitos infected themselves when consuming food from infected birds.
Since there are not vaccines available for people, the adolescent must remain under strict medical supervision to avoid getting worse. It is entirely possible that the issue was not detected before, mostly because the incubation period is usually up to 14 days and the illness is usually asymptomatic. About 80 percent of people infected do not show any symptoms, and just 1 out of 5 develops some symptoms like headaches, rash, among other.
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The level of severeness of this case is unknown, the doctor and the family decided to keep the situation in private. West Nile virus can be alarming, but people should be understanding. There are not medications on the market to treat the condition, so the family must trust in the alternatives and stick to medical supervision.
The only prevention mechanism so far is preventing mosquito bites by several alternatives. Insects repellents and an appropriate dress code for the activities and other tricks.
Source: CBS Local