Romania Mosquito-Borne West Nile Virus Infections Reach 20

Two elderly people have died in the country following West Nile virus infections.

According to risk estimates of the National Center for the Supervision and Control of Transmissible Diseases, infections with the mosquito-borne West Nile virus in Romania occurred because of frequent sudden weather changes this summer, which have favored excessive breeding among the mosquito population, particularly in the south of the country.

Experts say lower temperatures registered over the past few days have reduced mosquito activity, but the disease-carrying insects could return if the weather gets warmer again.

West Nile virus infections have affected the whole of Europe this summer. Greece reported 173 infections and 15 deaths, Russia reported 356 infections and six death, Hungary had three cases of infection, the Netherlands had two and Italia and Portugal reported one case of infection each. The European branch of the World Health Organization has also reported 24 cases of infection in Israel.

The West Nile virus is transmitted in humans through mosquito-bites and is not transmitted directly between humans. There is no vaccine against the virus.

While infections are often without any symptoms, people are advised to see a doctor immediately if they suffer from fever, intense headaches, nausea, or abdominal, muscular or joint pains. West Nile infections may develop into meningitis or encephalitis, which could ultimately lead to death.