Health authorities in Kerala have issued an alert after suspected cases of West Nile Fever were reported across multiple areas, including Elanji, Eroor, Pallikkara, Ponekkara, and Palluruthy. While investigations are ongoing, officials are urging residents to stay cautious as the risk of mosquito-borne diseases in India rises, especially during humid and post-monsoon conditions.

“We haven’t received any confirmation of WNF cases. These are suspected cases and can be confirmed only after tests are carried out. The samples have been sent for testing, and results will be available in 14 days. While no cluster has been observed, precautionary measures to prevent mosquito breeding need to be implemented,” Dr. R. Shahirsha, District Medical Officer (DMO), Ernakulam, was quoted byThe Hindu.

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West Nile fever is a viral infection caused by the West Nile virus, primarily transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The virus naturally circulates between birds and mosquitoes, with humans becoming accidental hosts.

According to the World Health Organization, most infections are mild or asymptomatic. In fact, 80 per cent of those infected do not show any symptoms, while around 20 per cent develop mild flu-like illness. Also, 1 in 150 cases can become severe and life-threatening.

Many infected individuals may not even realise they have the virus. However, when symptoms appear, they may include:

The West Nile virus transmission cycle involves birds and mosquitoes. When a mosquito bites an infected bird and then bites a human, the virus spreads. Importantly, it does not spread through casual human contact, making mosquito control the key prevention strategy.

Kerala health authorities have issued urgent appeals to residents to avoid stagnant water which is the place where mosquito breeding happens

While anyone can contract the infection, certain groups are more vulnerable to severe illness:

Kerala’s tropical climate and frequent rainfall create ideal conditions for mosquito breeding. The detection of cases across multiple regions suggests possible local transmission, increasing the urgency for both individual and community-level preventive measures.

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