Cantacuzino Institute: No Case Of West Nile Virus Infection Reported In Romania So Far

Two men in Tulcea county, southeastern Romania, have been diagnosed with viral meningitis recently and samples have been sent to the Cantacuzino Institute to establish whether the West Nile suspicion is confirmed positive.

Romania's Health Ministry undersecretary of state Raed Arafat this weekend told MEDIAFAX that no case of West Nile virus infection has been confirmed positive in Romania, so far. He also said that standard procedures require West Nile virus testing for patients with viral meningitis.

West Nile Virus is found in both tropical and temperate regions. It mainly infects birds, but is known to infect humans, horses, dogs, cats, bats, chipmunks, skunks, squirrels, and domestic rabbits. The main route of human infection is through the bite of an infected mosquito. Approximately 90% of West Nile Virus infections in humans are without any symptoms.

Recent outbreaks of West Nile virus encephalitis in humans have occurred in Algeria (1994), Romania (1996 to 1997), the Czech Republic (1997), Congo (1998), Russia (1999), the United States (1999 to 2009), Canada (1999-2007), and Israel (2000).

West Nile control is achieved through mosquito control, by elimination of mosquito breeding sites, larviciding active breeding areas and encouraging personal use of mosquito repellents. People are also encouraged to spend less time outdoors, wear long covering clothing, apply bug repellent and ensure that mosquitoes cannot enter buildings.

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