Kerala: West Nile Fever Outbreak Confirmed In Kozhikode, 5 Cases Detected So Far

All the individuals including children who were infected have recovered and returned home.

Currently, only one individual receiving treatment is suspected of having contracted a vector-borne infection. ( Image Source :Pixabay )

Kerala health officials on Tuesday said five cases of West Nile fever have been confirmed in the north district of Kozhikode. All the individuals, including children, who were infected, have recovered and returned home, with no new cases reported from their residential areas, according to an official from the district surveillance team. Currently, only one person is suspected of having contracted the vector-borne infection and is receiving treatment.

The official mentioned that samples from those displaying symptoms and receiving treatment were routinely sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune for examination.

"The results came back now and indicated that they were suffering from West Nile fever. They are all better now," he said, as per a report on PTI.

What Is West Nile Fever?

The West Nile Virus (WNV) is classified as a member of the flavivirus genus and is part of the Japanese encephalitis antigenic complex within the Flaviviridae family.

According to the state health department, the West Nile virus has the potential to induce a fatal neurological illness in humans, although many infected individuals may remain asymptomatic. The primary mode of transmission is through the bites of infected mosquitoes.

WNV is prevalent across various regions, including Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and West Asia.

In nature, WNV is perpetuated through a cycle involving transmission between birds and mosquitoes. However, humans, horses, and other mammals can also become infected with the virus, according to World Health Organisation.

West Nile fever, transmitted by the Culex species of mosquitoes, was initially identified in Uganda in 1937. In Kerala, India, the first case was recorded in 2011, resulting in the death of a six-year-old boy from Malappuram due to the fever in 2019. Subsequently, in May 2022, a 47-year-old man succumbed to the illness in Thrissur district.

As of now, vaccines for West Nile Virus (WNV) are available for use in horses but there is currently no approved vaccine available for human use.