THE VALLEY ANGUILLA:--- Health authorities have announced the island’s first locally acquired case of West Nile virus after a 25-year-old resident fell ill earlier this month.
The Ministry of Health reported that the individual began showing symptoms on March 7, including fever, headache, vomiting, and right-sided abdominal pain. Laboratory tests conducted on March 10 confirmed the diagnosis via PCR. Officials noted that the patient had no recent travel history, suggesting the patient contracted the virus locally.
The patient is currently hospitalized, receiving supportive care, and is in stable condition.
West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne illness, is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, particularly those of the Culex species. The virus typically circulates between mosquitoes and birds, which act as its primary hosts. Humans can become infected through mosquito bites, but the virus is not spread from person to person, nor can humans transmit it back to mosquitoes.
While this marks Anguilla’s first confirmed human case, the virus has been detected in birds, horses, and mosquitoes across the Caribbean since the early 2000s.
Most individuals infected with West Nile virus experience no symptoms or only mild illness. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches
• Nausea or vomiting
In rare instances, the virus can lead to severe neurological complications, such as brain or nervous system inflammation.
Health officials are urging residents to seek immediate medical attention if they experience serious symptoms, including:
• High fever
• Severe headache
• Stiff neck
• Confusion
• Tremors or seizures
• Muscle weakness
• Vision problems
• Numbness or loss of consciousness
To prevent further infections, authorities are reminding the public to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and take protective measures against mosquito bites.