Authorities confirm no West Nile Fever cases recorded in Jordan

Amidst concerns in Jordan on the West Nile Fever following reports of recorded cases in neighboring cases, authorities have confirmed that no cases have been recorded in Jordan so far. 

Jordanian health authorities continue to monitor high-risk areas and have implemented active surveillance measures. Despite the global prevalence of the virus, Jordan has maintained a vigilant stance with no reported cases since 2020, when only six cases were recorded.

Dr. Taha Al-Tamimi, the Director of the Capital Health Directorate and a specialist in pediatric and neonatal care, emphasized that West Nile Fever is widespread across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, West Asia, and Australia. The virus, first identified in Uganda in 1937, is primarily transmitted by certain types of mosquitoes carrying the virus from birds, the natural reservoir.

Symptomatically, 80 percent of infections are asymptomatic, with 19 percent showing mild flu-like symptoms such as fever and body aches. Severe cases, affecting about 1 percent of those infected, can lead to conditions like meningitis or encephalitis, with potential mortality rates as high as 10 percent.

The incubation period for the virus ranges from two to 14 days. Dr. Al-Tamimi stressed that the virus does not spread through human-to-human contact but can rarely transmit through blood transfusions, organ transplants, or from mother to child during breastfeeding.

Currently, there is no specific treatment for West Nile Fever, as it typically resolves on its own. Recovery involves rest, hydration, and symptom management with pain relievers and fever reducers. While there is no human vaccine available, precautions against mosquito bites are recommended, including the use of repellents, wearing long clothing, and eliminating standing water.