Romania Confirms 8 New Infections With Mosquito-Borne West Nile Virus

A Health Ministry official said earlier this week the country is not at risk of a west Nile epidemic, adding infections are sporadic and the most vulnerable categories are people aged over 50 who have chronic illnesses.

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.

The West Nile virus turned up this summer in Greece, where it caused dozens of deaths. In Russia, at least five people died as a result of infection in the Volgograd region, where 116 cases were reported by August 24, according to local healthcare services.

Neighboring Hungary said earlier this week it confirmed two cases of West Nile virus infection.

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