5 things to know about a deadly virus that is not cure

Just recently, the outbreak of the type of a dangerous virus West Nile virus has infected hundreds of people, 26 people died, causing concern for the people.

Here are 5 things you need to know about this deadly virus:

1. What is West Nile virus?

West Nile virus , first found in Uganda in 1937, is a virus of the flavivirus family. Other viruses in this group of viruses often cause dengue fever, yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis. They are usually transmitted by ticks and mosquitoes.

2. How is West Nile virus spread?

This virus is able to spread from poultry to humans through mosquito bites. The timing of the virus is contagious and causes the highest mortality rate in the fall. In addition, this virus can be spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, pregnant women to the fetus, from the mother to the child via milk, through casual contact or kissing an infected person.

Mosquitoes are one of the spreads of West Nile Virus (Photo: Livescience)

3. What are the symptoms of West Nile virus infection?

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 80% of West Nile infections do not have symptoms. 20% of infected people have symptoms of fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, nausea and sometimes swollen lymph glands. Some people have a rash on the abdomen, chest and back. These symptoms can last from several days to several weeks.

More seriously, West Nile virus also affects the nervous system, is life-threatening. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) warns that people with symptoms of muscle weakness, stiff neck, tired hands and feet, confusion or coma need immediate medical attention.

4. How to prevent West Nile virus?

CDC recommends using an insect repellent containing one of the following ingredients: DEET, picardin, lemon eucalyptus oil (or a synthetic version of this oil, called PMD), or IR3535. These substances can fight mosquito bites. Also, you should wear long sleeves and long pants, or stay indoors at dusk and dawn, the time when mosquitoes are most active.

At the same time, remove moving water, excess animal food in buckets, pots and barrels can reduce mosquito breeding environment thereby reducing the risk of transmission. Children's pools should clean up water and store them at the side when not in use.

5. How to treat West Nile Virus?

According to the CDC, there is no specific treatment for infection caused by this virus. With mild symptoms, the body can be antibodies. But severe symptoms require hospitalization and intravenous fluids or respiratory support.