A first case of West Nile virus infection was confirmed at the end of July in Bordeaux, Gironde. This disease transmitted to humans by mosquitoes has several symptoms.
A case of West Nile virus (also called West-Nile) was detected in Bordeaux at the end of July. A first for “an infection acquired in New Aquitaine” according to the Regional Health Agency (ARS) which also reports four other suspected cases. Other infections had already been recorded in Occitania and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. The first cases were discovered in 1937 in Uganda (Africa), in the West Nile region.
“West-Nile virus infection is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes of the Culex genus which become contaminated exclusively through contact with infected birds”, specifies the ARS. “Birds are the reservoirs of the virus. The spread is classic: the mosquito bites a bird carrying the virus, then a human being. The West Nile virus is not transmitted from human to human, nor from human to mosquito” , adds the agency. The risk of transmission through blood and organ donations is “extremely low”. Nevertheless, the frequency of infections has been accelerating over the past ten years.
According to Santé Publique France, 80% of human infections are asymptomatic. For the remaining 20%, it looks more like a “flu-like syndrome”. Fever, aches and headaches, sometimes accompanied by a rash may appear. These symptoms usually appear after two to six days of incubation but can occur up to 14 days after infection. In the presence of these manifestations, it is imperative to consult a doctor, in order to confirm the disease.
A disease that can have other consequences in the weakest, immunocompromised or seniors. Neurological disorders, encephalitis or meningitis may occur. “Even more rarely, other complications (hepatitis, pancreatitis or myocarditis) may appear. Generally, the patient recovers spontaneously, sometimes with sequelae”, notes the Institut Pasteur.
No vaccine against West Nile virus currently exists. Most infected people recover without treatment. For those who develop symptoms, supportive treatment can be used to reduce their severity. But the ARS has drawn up a list of recommendations to protect against mosquitoes and limit the spread of the virus.
For example, wearing covering clothes, using repellents or coils, plugging in electric diffusers or even putting mosquito nets over openings. Finally, the agency recommends protecting its environment, in particular by hunting down stagnant water.
