2024-09-01 00:47:56
Virology experts say most people infected with West Nile virus (WNV) will experience few symptoms associated with other viruses, and many will experience no symptoms at all.
“The vast majority of people infected with this virus have few, if any, symptoms. Of those who do, most will have non-specific symptoms,” said Lionel, a virology expert, professor and researcher at the University of Queensland. Lionel Berthoux explains.
The most common symptoms are fever, headache, or muscle pain. He detailed in an interview with LCN that in some cases, symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, red skin, spots and swollen lymph nodes may also occur.
“These are symptoms we see with a lot of viral illnesses, so, especially when the symptoms don’t last long, people don’t even make the effort to identify the source of the infection.”
This is why it is difficult to assess specific cases, as usually only the more severe cases are diagnosed, often in the context of nerve damage.
“When the virus enters the central nervous system, mainly the brain and spinal cord, symptoms such as disorientation, movement coordination problems, high fever, severe pain, etc. will appear, leading to symptoms such as brain inflammation and meningitis,” the virologist specified.
Not the worst years
If cases have been increasing in the United States and Europe for several years, the same is happening in Canada, where the virus has been spreading since early summer.
“Based on the data released by Quebec and Public Health Canada, it’s going to be a slightly denser than average year, but there have been worse years than that, particularly 2012 and 2018, but we have to look at the data we have at the moment. The situation is actually only temporary as most West Nile virus infections occur in August,” he added.
Prevention is the best choice
To scientists, the best way to avoid the virus is to avoid mosquitoes.
“The best way to prevent this disease is to prevent mosquito bites. If possible, avoid being bitten,” he said.
The mosquito that spreads the disease, Culex quinquefasciatus, is very common in Quebec, mainly in southern Quebec.
“The majority of West Nile virus cases occur in Montérégie, Montreal and Laval, and in the Lawrence Mountains,” he continued.
Bertux said other cases have been identified in other areas of the city and countryside.
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