West Nile fever virus
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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The West Nile fever virus is a representative of the antigenic complex of Japanese encephalitis viruses. The virus has 4 genotypes.
Epidemiology of West Nile fever
The causative agent of West Nile fever is common in many countries. In Russia, the disease occurs in Western Siberia and the Krasnodar Territory. The reservoir and source of the virus are wild and domestic birds, mainly water and near-water ecological complex, mosquitoes and mites. Ticks play a special role and its conservation in winter conditions. The West Nile fever virus also circulates among domestic animals. The mechanism of transmission of the virus is transmissible, carriers are mosquitoes of the genus Culex, as well as argas and ixodid mites. Susceptibility in humans is high.
[Symptoms of West Nile fever
The incubation period is 2-8 days. Disease of the West Nile fever is accompanied by a high fever for 3-12 days, headaches, joint pains, scarlatina-like rash and polyadenitis. In most cases, the disease is benign. Severe cases of the disease are accompanied by the development of meningitis and encephalitis with paresis, paralysis and fatal outcome. After the West Nile fever, intense immunity forms.