West Nile Virus Vs. Zika Virus: Why West Nile Virus Is A Bigger Threat Than Zika Virus In The United States

As people enjoy the summer season, they also face the annoying swarm of pesky mosquitoes raining on their parade. In fact, the hotter summer months are usually considered as mosquito season, which often begins earlier and lasts into fall.

Mosquitoes thrive on hot weather, with the mosquito season reaches it speak during the hot summer months. That's why, experts are warning the public about the increasing cases of serious mosquito-borne infections such as Zika and West Nile viruses.

In the United States, more than 1,000 Americans experience serious illness or death associated with a mosquito bite. While Zika virus has been declared as a global public health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO), West Nile virus continues to be a national priority in the United States since its introduction in 1999. So, what exactly is West Nile virus?

What Is West Nile Virus?

First identified in Uganda in 1937, West Nile virus is a type of flavivirus that is commonly transmitted by ticks and mosquitoes. According to Live Science, West Nile virus is spread from birds to humans via mosquito bites, with other modes of transmission including blood transfusions, organ transplants and breastfeeding.

West Nile virus, however, cannot be spread through casual contact or touching an infected person. But as per Mayo Clinic, exposure to mosquitoes in places where West Nile virus exists can increase the risk of infection.

West Nile Virus Symptoms, Treatment And Prevention

Almost 70 to 80 percent of West Nile virus-infected individuals are asymptomatic or don't develop any symptoms. But 1 in 5 people infected can experience fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash.

Other individuals, particularly people over 60 years of age, can also develop severe symptoms due to West Nile virus infection. The U.S. Centers for Disease, Control and Prevention revealed less than one percent of infected individuals may develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis, meningitis or acute flaccid paralysis, which may take several weeks or months to recover while other neurologic effects may be permanent.

As for West Nile virus treatment, no vaccines or specific antiviral treatments are currently available but there are over-the-counter drugs for some of the symptoms. On West Nile virus prevention, on the other hand, it's best to use an insect repellent that has any of these ingredients: DEET, picardin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (or a synthetic version of this oil, called PMD) or IR3535, as they are considered effective for long-lasting mosquito bites protection.

West Nile Virus: A National Priority In The United States

Since 1999, the United States has been fighting West Nile virus by implementing "conscientization campaigns" to make the public understand the threat of the virus. Pulse Headlines reported that federal authorities have launched Arboviral surveillances to determine the increase or reduction of West Nile virus-carrying mosquitoes.

If Latin America is facing Zika virus threats, the U.S. is dealing with West Nile virus, which is already at its peak in South Dakota, Capital Journal noted. In addition, West Nile virus is also found in Manitoba, as well as in another U.S. states, as per CTV News. News 3 Las Vegas also added that West Nile virus is also found in Las Vegas while the country's first Zika outbreak strikes Florida.

Do you think the U.S. government should intensify its campaign against Zika and West Nile Viruses? Share your thoughts below and follow Parent Herald for more news and updates.