Three people die in Romania due to West Nile virus infection

On August 29, 2024, the National Institute of Public Health of Romania reported that since the monitoring of West Nile virus infection was launched in June this year, the country has reported 23 confirmed cases, 4 suspected cases, and 3 deaths.

The notification shows that West Nile virus infection cases are mainly concentrated in the capital Bucharest and Suceava County in the northeast. There are also case reports in several other counties. Among the patients, the age group of 60 to 69 years old is the largest, with a total of 8 cases; the number of people in the age group of 70 to 79 years old is the second largest, with a total of 7 cases.

West Nile virus is usually transmitted by mosquito bites. In general, most infected people will have symptoms such as fever, body pain, nausea, and vomiting. A very small number of infected people will develop neurological diseases such as encephalitis. At present, there is no vaccine or effective treatment for this virus.

In view of this, the National Institute of Public Health of Romania has put forward a series of protection suggestions to the public, including avoiding exposure to mosquito-infested environments, wearing long-sleeved clothes and long pants, using mosquito repellents, installing mosquito nets on windows, and disposing of household garbage in a timely manner. The occurrence of deaths due to West Nile virus infection in Romania this time has aroused the attention and attention of local people to this virus. Relevant departments are also actively taking measures to strengthen prevention and control and publicity to prevent the further spread of the epidemic.