Philadelphia confirms first West Nile Virus mosquito pool; know all about the viral disease, symptoms and treatment
While no case of human beings being affected has been yet reported, here's taking a look at the virus, disease, and symptoms...
What is West Nile Virus
West Nile virus is a viral disease that is transmitted mainly by the bites of infected mosquitoes. This virus can cause illnesses in people, and severe health issues (in rare cases). Let's learn more...
Understanding West Nile Virus
West Nile virus is a viral disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes. The virus is a member of the Flaviviruses, which also includes Zika, dengue and yellow fever viruses. The virus was first identified in the West Nile district of Uganda in 1937, and has since spread to other parts of the world including Africa, Europe, Middle East, North America and Asia. The main hosts of the virus are birds and mosquitoes, which feed on infected birds,
who
can then transmit the disease to humans and other animals like horses.
How Do People Get Infected
Most people get infected with West Nile virus through the bites of infected mosquitoes.
The virus in the mosquitoes is acquired by feeding on birds that already carry the virus.
The virus can also spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants and from mother to child during pregnancy, but these cases remain rare.
When and Where Is West Nile Most Common
The West Nile virus infections are mostly encountered during the mosquito season that runs from summer to early fall.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
AirSense 11 – Smart tech for deep sleep
ResMed
Buy Now
Undo
The cases are reported throughout the year in the warmer areas.
West Nile Virus Symptoms
Most People Have No Symptoms
About 80 percent of people who are infected with West Nile virus, do not have any symptoms. Most people will not even know they were infected.
Mild Symptoms
About 20 percent of the infected people (1 in 5) will develop mild symptoms of West Nile fever that are known as 'West Nile fever.' These can include:
Fever
Headache
Body aches or muscle pains
Tiredness or weakness
Skin rash on the trunk (upper body)
Swollen lymph glands
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Most of the mild cases recover on their own, and do not need any further medical intervention.
These symptoms usually start between 3 and 14 days after the mosquito bite, and can last for several weeks.
Severe (Serious) Symptoms
Less than 1 in 150 infected people (under 1%) will get severe symptoms. The severe symptoms are a result of the virus entering the brain and nervous system, which results in serious conditions like meningitis (swelling of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) or encephalitis (swelling of the brain).
Serious signs include:
High fever
Severe headache
Stiff neck
Disorientation or confusion
Muscle weakness or paralysis
Tremors or convulsions (shaking)
Loss of consciousness or coma
Sensitivity to light
Seizures
The risk of severe illness is high for the elderly people, people with weakened immune systems and those with chronic diseases.
In rare cases, the infection can lead to permanent damage to the nervous or brain systems or can be deadly.
Long-Term Effects
The people who have had severe infections may experience some effects for months or even years, such as:
Persistent tiredness or weakness
Memory problems
Headaches
Trouble with balance
How Is West Nile Virus Diagnosed
Doctors usually diagnose West Nile virus by:
Looking at symptoms
Asking about recent mosquito exposure
Doing blood tests or testing fluid from the spinal cord to check for the virus or antibodies
Treatment for West Nile Virus
No Specific Medicine
There is no cure or specific treatment for West Nile virus.
Antibiotics are not used since the disease is caused by a virus not bacteria.
For mild cases: Most people with mild symptoms will recover on their own. Doctors suggest:
Rest
Drinking plenty of fluids
Taking over-the-counter pain relievers for fever and aches, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
For severe cases: People who have serious symptoms usually have to go to the hospital for supportive care while their body is fighting off the virus.
This can include…Patients receive IV (intravenous) fluids for dehydration prevention purposes.
Prevention
Since a cure does not exist, it is crucial to minimise mosquito bites. This can be done by:
Applying mosquito repellents that contain DEET or other authorized ingredients.
Wear full sleeved clothes and pants from dusk to dawn, because mosquitoes become most active during these times.
The application of screens to windows and doors, functions as an effective barrier against mosquito entry.
You must eliminate all standing water from flower pots, buckets and tires throughout your home, since it enables mosquito breeding.
Sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Johns Hopkins Medicine
World Health Organization (WHO)
Cleveland Clinic
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Flesh eating bacteria: How to know if a water body is infested
TL;DR You can't see flesh-eating bacteria , but you can predict where it's likely to be. Warm, salty, or brackish waters in the summer—especially after storms—are the main danger zones. Skip swimming with open wounds, no matter how small. Check for local health alerts before you wade in. If your skin starts acting up after water exposure, don't brush it off—get it checked fast. Let's talk about something that sounds like it's straight out of a horror movie: flesh-eating bacteria. More specifically, Vibrio vulnificus—a naturally occurring bacteria that lives in warm, salty, or brackish waters. It's not something you can spot with your eyes, but there are ways to figure out when and where it's most likely hanging around. What is Vibrio vulnificus ? This bacteria loves warm water—especially coastal areas where saltwater and freshwater mix (like bays, estuaries, and lagoons). It tends to show up more often when the water hits above 70°F (21°C), which means late spring through early fall is prime time. You'll find it lurking in the waters around the Gulf Coast, Florida, and other warm seaside places, especially after floods or storms that churn everything up and push saltwater inland. No, you can't see it The water could look totally fine—crystal clear, no weird smells, nothing gross floating around—but still be home to Vibrio. That's what makes it so sneaky. You won't know it's there just by looking. So how do you know when it's risky? Here's what to watch for: Location and season: Warm coastal waters = higher risk. If it's summer or early fall and you're in a southern state, especially after heavy rain or a hurricane, the risk goes way up. Warm and brackish water: Brackish water (where saltwater and freshwater mix) is bacteria's favorite hangout. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Book Now And Save up to ₹23.71L on Luxury Homes in Whitefield Sumadhura Group Learn More Undo The warmer it is, the more bacteria are likely multiplying. Check local warnings: Local health departments often issue advisories if bacterial levels spike. Before you dive in, do a quick check online or at the beach for posted warnings or closures. Got cuts? Do not dive: Vibrio doesn't go through healthy skin, but if you've got a cut, scrape, or healing tattoo—stay out of risky waters. It gets into your system through broken skin and can cause serious infections fast. What if you do get exposed? Say you took a dip and later you're feeling... off. Here's what to watch for: Pain, redness, or swelling around a cut or scrape Skin turning purple or developing ulcers or blisters Fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting These signs can show up within hours, so don't wait around. Go see a doctor ASAP if this happens after water exposure. Can you test the water yourself? Not really. There's no pool kit or strip test for this. Most Vibrio testing is done by researchers or public health labs. Since the bacteria live naturally in water and spike when it gets warm, it's tough to track in real time unless a local agency is already monitoring it. Vibrio vulnificus sounds terrifying (because it kind of is), but you don't need to panic—just be smart. Knowing where and when the risk is highest, being cautious with wounds, and keeping an eye out for symptoms can go a long way in keeping you safe. So swim smart, and if in doubt, sit that dip out.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
GMC Nanded hall ticket 2025 released for Group D exam; download at drscgmcnanded.in
GMC Nanded hall ticket 2025 released for Group D exam at GMC Nanded hall ticket 2025: The Government Medical College and Hospital (GMC), Nanded has officially released the hall ticket for the Group D recruitment examination 2025. Candidates who have successfully registered for the recruitment process can now download their admit cards from the official website – The recruitment drive aims to fill 86 Group D vacancies for roles including Helper and Night Watchman. The selection process comprises a written test followed by an interview. Candidates are advised to carry a printed copy of the hall ticket to the exam center, as entry without it will not be permitted. GMC Nanded recruitment 2025 overview The GMC Nanded recruitment 2025 is being conducted for Group D posts, which require a minimum qualification of 10th pass. A total of 86 vacancies have been announced under this category. The selection process includes a written examination and an interview. The recruitment is open to applicants across India, including freshers. The application process for GMC Nanded Group D vacancies began on April 26, 2025, and the last date for submission is May 16, 2025. Candidates aged between 18 to 38 years are eligible to apply. The pay scale for the Group D posts ranges from Rs. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo 19,900 to Rs. 63,200 per month. Application fee details The application fee for candidates belonging to the General category is Rs. 1000, while those from Reserved categories are required to pay Rs. 900. The payment can be made through Internet banking, credit/debit card, or UPI. Official website and job location The official website for all recruitment-related updates, including hall ticket download and application status, is The job location for all selected candidates will be Maharashtra. Steps to download GMC Nanded Group D hall ticket 2025 Step 1: Visit the official website of GMC Nanded: Step 2: On the homepage, click on 'Current Openings' and select the Group D recruitment link. Step 3: Click on the hall ticket download link for Group D exam 2025. Step 4: Log in using your registered number and password. Step 5: Download and print the hall ticket for future reference. Direct link to download the GMC Nanded Group D exam admit card 2025 Contact and support For any queries related to the recruitment process or technical support in downloading the admit card, candidates are advised to use the contact details provided on the official website. It is also recommended to keep a copy of the application form and admit card for future reference. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Why do Amish children have fewer allergies? The surprising secret behind their super immunity
A study reveals that Amish children in northern Indiana exhibit remarkably low allergy rates. Early exposure to farm environments appears to strengthen their immune systems. Contact with animals and microbe-rich dust plays a crucial role. Raw milk consumption may also contribute to this immunity. Scientists are exploring ways to replicate these benefits for others. TL;DR Amish kids have shockingly low allergy and asthma rates—only 7 to 10 percent are affected, compared to 50+ percent of other American kids. Early exposure to animals, barns, and farm dust seems to 'train' the immune system and prevent allergic reactions. Raw, unpasteurized milk might also play a role in strengthening immunity. It's not about genes—it's all about the environment and early microbial contact. The hope is to one day bottle (literally) the benefits of farm life and offer them in a safe, science-backed way to the rest of the population. So next time you see a muddy kid playing outside, maybe don't panic—think of it as a mini immune boost. The Amish sure would. The remarkable immunity to allergies observed among the Amish people, particularly children in northern Indiana communities, is a fascinating phenomenon that has captured the attention of scientists worldwide. Unlike the soaring rates of allergies seen in most developed countries, only about 7 to 10 percent of Amish children show sensitization to common allergens, vastly lower than the over 50 percent in the general US population. Turns out, it's less about genes and more about goats, barns, and old-school living. The 'Farm Effect' One major clue? Amish kids grow up literally surrounded by animals, barns, hay, and dirt—basically everything we try to Clorox-wipe out of existence in city life. Researchers call it the ' farm effect ,' and it starts even before a child is born. Pregnant Amish women spend time in the barn, meaning the baby's immune system is getting a microbial preview of what's to come. Once born, these kids are crawling around in haylofts, petting cows, and inhaling all sorts of microbe-rich dust. Sounds gross? Maybe. But to their immune systems, it's like boot camp. All this exposure helps 'train' the body to react calmly to harmless things—like pollen, pet dander, and peanuts—instead of freaking out. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 20 Pieces of Clothing you Can be Too Old for Learn More Undo The power of farm dust Amish barn dust isn't just any dust. It's a cocktail of bacteria, fungi, and who-knows-what-else. And apparently, it's magical. Studies show this dust ramps up the innate immune system, the body's first line of defense and might even raise levels of special hormones that stop allergic reactions before they start. Scientists have compared Amish kids to Hutterite kids (a similar farming group with shared ancestry), and here's where it gets interesting. Hutterite barns are usually farther from the home, so their kids aren't exposed to all that microbe goodness early on. Result? More allergies and asthma. Boom—environment beats genetics. Raw milk Another curveball: raw milk. Amish families often drink it straight from the cow—no pasteurization, no homogenization. While this isn't exactly FDA-approved, there's some evidence that raw milk might help train the immune system, too. It's packed with natural microbes and fat structures that get destroyed in commercial milk. We're not saying go churn your own butter or risk salmonella, but it's worth noting that something about the Amish dairy routine seems to give their immune systems a leg up. It's not in their DNA People love to credit 'good genes' for everything, but in this case, that's not the answer. The Amish are descended from Swiss immigrants, and their Swiss cousins—who don't live in barns or drink raw milk—have way more allergies. Same genes, different lifestyle. So this clearly comes down to the environment, not biology. What can the rest of us learn from this? Look, no one's saying we should all move to a farm or bathe our kids in cow dust. But the Amish way of life gives scientists some big clues. Maybe there's a way to recreate some of these healthy microbial exposures without the manure. Researchers are already testing things like probiotics, bacterial extracts, and even farm dust capsules (yes, that's a thing) to help kids in urban areas build stronger, allergy-resistant immune systems. It's about mimicking the good parts of the farm lifestyle without, you know, needing a barn in your backyard.
