Kozhikode: The Kerala Health Department issued an alert due to increasing West Nile fever cases in the districts of Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Thrissur. Health Minister Veena George held a meeting to control the spread of the disease and instructed district medical officers and local authorities to improve sanitation across the state.
The Health Department has issued an increase in awareness campaigns and collection of samples for testing. Minister Veena George reassured the public, stating that West Nile fever has been reported sporadically since 2011. She also urged the need for immediate treatment for people showing symptoms like headache, fever, muscle aches, dizziness, and memory loss.
In severe cases, the virus can lead to brain damage, and in extremely rare cases it can cause death. There are no medicines and vaccines available against the West Nile virus and can only be cured if treated early. Mosquito control, avoiding mosquito bites by wearing protective clothing, and using repellents, are among the recommended measures to prevent West Nile fever.
