West Nile Virus in India: Symptoms, how it's different from other mosquito-borne diseases, when to seek help

Symptoms of dengue fever include sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, mild bleeding (e.g., nosebleeds), and in severe cases, bleeding gums and easy bruising (dengue hemorrhagic fever) (Image: Canva)

West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne pathogen primarily transmitted by Culex mosquitoes. Originating in Africa, it has spread globally and can cause symptoms ranging from mild flu-like illness to severe neurological conditions such as encephalitis or meningitis. Most people are asymptomatic or experience mild symptoms like fever and headache, but a small percentage may develop severe forms, including high fever, confusion, and paralysis.

The Indian climate and extensive mosquito population contribute to the potential spread of WNV, says Dr Raghav Sinha, Senior Consultant at RGS Global Healthcare , Surat. He says that Surveillance and control measures are crucial to managing the risk. Preventive strategies include mosquito control, public awareness, and avoiding mosquito bites through repellents and protective clothing.

Differentiating West Nile Virus (WNV) from other mosquito-borne diseases can be challenging as they share similar symptoms, says Sinha. Here’s how WNV compares to other common mosquito-borne diseases and when to seek medical help:

Difference between WNV and other mosquito-borne diseases:

West Nile Virus (WNV)

Symptoms: Often asymptomatic. When symptoms occur, they may include mild flu-like symptoms (fever, headache, body aches) or more severe neurological symptoms (high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, confusion, tremors, or weakness).

Onset: Symptoms usually appear within 3 to 14 days after a mosquito bite.

Severe Form: Can cause encephalitis or meningitis in a small percentage of cases.

Dengue Fever

Symptoms: Sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, mild bleeding (e.g., nosebleeds), and in severe cases, bleeding gums and easy bruising (dengue hemorrhagic fever).

Onset: Symptoms typically appear 4-10 days after a mosquito bite.
Severe Form: Dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome can be life-threatening.

Zika Virus

Symptoms: Mild symptoms including fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). Some people may also experience muscle pain and headache.

Onset: Symptoms usually appear 3-14 days after infection.

Severe Form: Rarely severe, but can cause complications in pregnant women, such as birth defects (microcephaly) in infants.

Chikungunya Virus

Symptoms: Sudden onset of high fever, severe joint pain (often debilitating), rash, muscle pain, and headache.

Onset: Symptoms usually appear 3-7 days after a mosquito bite.Severe Form: Persistent joint pain can last for months or even years.

Malaria

Symptoms: Cyclic fevers, chills, sweating, headache, muscle pain, and nausea. Severe malaria can lead to confusion, seizures, or coma.

Onset: Symptoms typically appear 9-14 days after a mosquito bite.

Severe Form: Can be life-threatening and requires prompt treatment.

When to Seek Medical Help:

If You Experience Severe Symptoms: High fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, confusion, tremors, seizures, or sudden weakness or paralysis. Persistent high fever, severe joint pain, or bleeding symptoms (for diseases like dengue).

If You Have Neurological Symptoms: Symptoms such as severe headache, confusion, seizures, or difficulty with movement.

If You Have Been in an Area with Known Outbreaks: If you have traveled to or live in areas with reported outbreaks of these diseases and develop symptoms.

For Pregnant Women: Seek medical advice if you experience symptoms, as mosquito-borne diseases like Zika can affect the fetus.

If Symptoms Worsen or Do Not Improve: If you are experiencing symptoms that seem to be getting worse or not improving with time.