The health authorities sounded the alarm after the number of West Nile virus infection cases increased significantly in Romania. According to the latest data provided by the National Institute of Public Health (INSP), six cases of the disease have been confirmed this season, and one is suspected.
West Nile infection. PHOTO Shutterstock
According to the latest report published on the website of the National Center for Surveillance and Control of Communicable Diseases (CNSCBT) within the INSP, from the beginning of the West Nile virus infection surveillance period (June 3) to August 8, recorded 6 cases, of which 5 confirmed cases and one probable case of West Nile virus infection.
The cases were registered in the age groups 40-49 years (two), 60-69 years (two) and 70-79 years (two).
Why did the West Nile virus appear in Romania? The explanations of an epidemiologist
All the cases were recorded in men, four of them being from the urban environment and two from the rural environment.
Depending on the territorial unit of exposure, the illnesses were reported in Bucharest city (2), Bistriţa-Năsăud county (1), Dâmboviţa (1), Mureş (1), Satu Mare (1). A case of West Nile virus infection was exposed in Italy (Milan) and was reported by DSP Dâmboviţa (started in S 27).
Why did the West Nile virus appear in Romania? The explanations of an epidemiologist
While the capital’s city hall is stepping up disinsection actions in an attempt to eliminate mosquito populations, the West Nile virus could soon become a serious threat. This is what the epidemiologists say, who also raise a big alarm: “The measures that are being taken now come late and have limited results”.
How the disease manifests itself: a relatively mild symptomatology
Dr. Emilian Popovici warns that mosquitoes can be carriers of other viruses, not only West Nile.
“Most cases of West Nile develop with a limited infection as symptoms and self-limited as extension in time. But, of course, there can also be cases with a serious evolution, and then the person in question must go to the doctor”, the doctor recommends.
This is also the case of the man from Bucharest who is hospitalized at the “Victor Babeș” Hospital for Infectious Diseases in Bucharest and who is in a good condition, say the doctors who have him under supervision.
