Everything you need to know about West Nile virus (WNV) in 2023
Here's a list of the most cited journal articles on West Nile virus (WNV)
West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild fever to severe neurological illness. The virus is transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Research has shown that WNV is a significant public health problem, particularly in the United States. The virus was first identified in the United States in 1999 and has since spread to many other parts of the country. The most common symptoms of WNV infection include fever, headache, body aches, and sometimes a skin rash. In severe cases, the infection can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord).
The best way to prevent WNV infection is to protect against mosquito bites. This can be done by using mosquito repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and avoiding being outdoors during the hours when mosquitoes are most active (dawn and dusk). Research has also shown that controlling the mosquito population can help to reduce the spread of the virus.
Research also focuses on developing a vaccine for WNV, a few candidate vaccines are being tested in clinical trials but are still not yet available for the general public. Also, researchers are trying to understand more about the virus’s epidemiology, symptoms and risk factors for severe illness, and the genetic diversity of the virus.
No specific treatment for WNV infection is available, supportive care is the mainstay of treatment for infected individuals.