Two Suspected Cases Of West Nile Virus Infection In SE Romania

Tulcea prefect Vasile Gudu said the two patients are aged 18 and 43, respectively, and they most likely acquired the virus through mosquito bites when they went fishing. He added the 18-year old man was already released from hospital and is in good condition.

Gudu stressed that local authorities sent samples for testing to the Bucharest Cantacuzino Institute to establish whether the West Nile suspicion is confirmed positive.

The prefect pointed out that no West Nile virus infection has been confirmed positive in Tulcea, so far, and added that local authorities have already taken safe mosquito control measures.

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

West Nile virus (WNV) 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.

If you liked this story, please follow MEDIAFAX.RO on FACEBOOK »

The content of mediafax.ro is for your information only. Republishing or using this content is forbidden without express consent of MEDIAFAX. For this consent, please ask for it by mail at vanzari@mediafax.ro.