West Nile Virus Infections:

GS Paper 2:

Syllabus: Issues related to Health.

Context:

A man who was undergoing treatment for West Nile fever in Kerala’s Thrissur succumbed to it recently.

About the West Nile Virus:

• It is a member of the flavivirus genus and belongs to the Japanese encephalitis antigenic complex of the family
• It is a single-stranded RNA virus.
• It was first isolated in a woman in the West Nile district of Uganda in 1937.
• It is commonly found in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North America and West Asia.
• Older people, children and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk.

Transmission:

It spreads from birds to humans with the bite of an infected Culex mosquito.

InstaLinks:

Prelims Link:

1. About West Nile Virus.
2. Symptoms.
3. Prevention and Treatment.

Mains Link:

Critically analyse the role played by WHO in rendering global health security during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also propose reforms to strengthen its role in handling future pandemics.

Q.3) Consider the following statements:

1. 1. West Nile Virus is a member of the flavivirus genus.
   2. It is a single-stranded RNA virus.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1. 1. 1 only.
   2. 2 only.
   3. Both.
   4. None.

Sources: Indian Express.