The West Nile virus is spreading across Europe. This year, 396 cases have been recorded in Greece, 44 in the Netherlands, 15 in Croatia, and 10 in Belgium; a total of 9 deaths have been reported.
“Elchi” reports that there have been 3 deaths and 26 new cases in Greece within one week.
According to data from the National Public Health Organization of Greece (EODY), 26 new cases of West Nile virus infection were detected between September 18 and 24.
With this, the total number of infection cases recorded in the country from the beginning of the year until September 24 has reached 396.
The number of deaths due to the West Nile virus in the country has increased by 3 within a week, rising to 36.
It was reported that the deceased were between 61 and 92 years old.
The number of deaths from West Nile virus in the Netherlands has reached 5
In a statement by the RIVM, it was reported that since the last data on September 17, 16 more people have been diagnosed with the West Nile virus, and one more person has lost their life.
As a result, the number of deaths due to the virus this year has reached 5, and the total number of infection cases has reached 44.
Additionally, the number of horses and birds identified as infected with the virus this year has reached 136 and 171, respectively. A patient diagnosed with West Nile virus has passed away in Kosovo.
In a written statement by the Infectious Diseases Clinic of the University Clinical Center of Kosovo (QKUK), it was noted that a 66-year-old patient was admitted to the clinic on September 10 with a diagnosis of meningoencephalitis.
The statement indicated that the patient had received outpatient treatment for five days before being hospitalized, and the West Nile virus test conducted as part of the necessary laboratory examinations yielded a positive result. It was reported that the patient’s health gradually deteriorated, and they passed away on September 15.
The number of infections in Belgium has reached 10
With the detection of new cases suspected to be related to the West Nile virus in the country’s Flemish region and the capital Brussels, the total number of infections in Belgium has risen to 10.
15 West Nile virus infections have been detected in Croatia this year
In a written statement by the Croatian Institute of Public Health, it was noted that although no deaths due to the West Nile virus have been recorded in the country, the number of infections has increased compared to the same period last year.
The statement reports that 15 West Nile virus infections have been detected in the country since the beginning of the year, and 10 of the patients were hospitalized after observing severe clinical symptoms related to the virus.
West Nile virus
There is currently no vaccine available against the West Nile virus, which is mainly spread through the bites of *Culex* mosquitoes; therefore, it is recommended to protect against mosquito bites. According to data, the incubation period after a mosquito bite varies between 2 and 14 days, and in individuals with weakened immune systems, this period can extend up to 21 days.
It is noted that approximately 80% of infected individuals show no symptoms, while about 20% experience symptoms such as fever, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting, as well as headaches and muscle pain.
Initially found only in Africa, this virus has since spread to many European countries, particularly France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. In Germany, outbreaks (epidemic manifestations) of the virus have been observed every year since 2019.
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