Spain virus outbreak: 19 struck down with potentially deadly West Nile Virus

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As Spain continues to tackle the coronavirus crisis, 17 people have already been admitted to hospital and out of these, seven have been rushed to intensive care units. The mosquito variant called Aedes japonicas carries West Nile Virus, and it causes meningoencephalitis in patients. Meningoencephalitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the brain.

If a patient infected with West Nile Fever develops Meningoencephalitis there is a 70 percent mortality rate if untreated.

However, the disease can be treated with antibiotics.

Efforts are now underway by the Regional Government of Andalusia to halt the advance of the mosquitoes.

Authorities have met with pesticide and insecticide companies to plan the efforts to exterminate the disease-carrying insects.

Measures that have been discussed involve using insect repellant chemicals, ordering citizens to close their windows, and install mosquito nets.

The regions of La Puebla del Río and Coria del Río are most affected by West Nile Virus.

Efforts are now being made to stem the rise of cases from infection by the deadly virus.

The mosquito that causes West Nile Virus can also carry dengue fever.

This type of mosquito can be found in both rural and urban areas.

West Nile virus is transmitted by the bites of infected mosquitoes.

Areas, where there’s a lot of stagnant water, are breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms.

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However, 1 in 5 people who are infected develop body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash.

Also, 1 in 150 people who are infected develop a severe illness after infection.

Of those who develop severe symptoms, 1 out of 10 people will have a serious complication affecting the central nervous system, which becomes fatal.

If patients are admitted to hospital because of infection they will receive treatment, such as antibiotics, pain medication, and nursing care.

The virus was first discovered in the West Nile province of Uganda in 1937.

Additional reporting by Maria Ortega. 

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