Question: Consider the following statement regarding West Nile Virus?
(1) The virus was discovered in Uganda in 1937
(2) It was first found in India Malappuram District of Kerala
(3) West Nile Virus (WNV) is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States Of the above correct statement/s is/are:
(a) Only (1)
(b) Only (2) and (3)
(c) Only (2)
(d) (1),(2) and (3)
Answer: (d)
Related facts:
- A section of the media reported that a seven year old boy from Malappuram District of Kerala is suffering from a West Nile Virus (WNV), a mosquito-borne disease, mostly reported in the continental United States.
- Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare notified to the State Health Minister of Kerala in this regard and extended all support to Kerala in its prevention and management.
- The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has also been alerted and a close watch is being maintained at Central and State level.
- The virus was discovered in Uganda in 1937 and was first detected in North America in 1999.
West Nile Virus (WNV):
- West Nile Virus (WNV) is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States.
- It most commonly spreads among the people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Cases of WNV occur during mosquito season, which starts in the summer and continues through fall.
- There are no vaccines available to prevent or medications to treat WNV in people.
- About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About 1 out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness.
- The risk of WNV can be reduced by using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent mosquito bites.
Links:
https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=189411