Most people infected with West Nile virus (WNV) develop only mild symptoms that can be associated with other viruses, a virologist says, and many will have none at all.
“The vast majority of people who are infected by this virus will have very few symptoms, if any at all. Among the people who have symptoms, there is a majority who will have non-specific symptoms,” explained Lionel Berthoux, virology specialist and professor-researcher at UQTR.
The most common symptoms are fever, headache or muscle aches. In some cases, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, redness of the skin with pimples and swelling of the lymph nodes may be added, he detailed in an interview with LCN.
“These are symptoms that we see appear in many viral diseases and for this reason, especially when the symptoms do not last long, people do not even make the effort to look for what is the source of the infection,” he continued.
This is why it is difficult to draw up an assessment of specific cases, since only the most serious cases are generally diagnosed, often when there is neurological damage.
“This happens when the virus gains access to the central nervous system, basically the brain and spinal cord, where symptoms include disorientation, problems coordinating movements, high fever, significant pain and therefore inflammation of the brain, meningitis, etc.”, the virologist explained.
Not the worst year
While cases have been increasing for several years in the United States and Europe, it is now arriving in Canada, where the virus has been progressing since the start of summer.
“According to the figures made public by public health in Quebec and Canada, it would be a year a little denser than the average, but there have been years worse than that, notably in 2012 and 2018, but we must understand that the figures we currently have are really provisional, because the majority of WNV infections occur during the month of August,” he added.
Prevention is the best option
The best way to avoid this virus, according to the scientist, is to avoid mosquitoes.
“The best prevention against this disease is protection against mosquito bites. As much as possible, avoid being bitten,” he said.
The mosquito that transmits this disease is the Culex, which is very widespread in Quebec, and mainly in southern Quebec.
“The majority of cases of West Nile virus are in Montérégie, Montreal and Laval, also in the Laurentians,” he continued.
Other cases have been identified in other regions, both in the city and in the countryside, Mr. Berthoux mentioned.
