West Nile Virus Spreads Across Europe. Romania Among Countries with Confirmed Cases

The West Nile virus continues to spread across the continent, with Romania among the countries where locally transmitted cases have been confirmed. The World Health Organisation warns that rising temperatures and increasingly longer summers are creating favourable conditions for the breeding of virus-carrying mosquitoes, raising the risk of infection.

July to September: the highest-risk period

Specialists indicate that the period of greatest infection risk falls between July and September, when mosquito populations are at their highest. Climate change has expanded the geographical areas in which the virus can circulate, increasing exposure for both residents and tourists.

Most cases recorded in Greece and Italy

Based on this summer's data, Greece and Italy have recorded the highest number of confirmed West Nile virus infections. In Greece, a significant proportion of diagnosed patients developed neuroinvasive forms of the disease, such as meningitis or encephalitis. Italy remains the country with the widest geographical spread of the virus.

Cases have also been reported in Romania, Spain, and North Macedonia.

How the virus is transmitted

The virus is transmitted primarily through the bite of infected mosquitoes, which acquire it from birds. Direct person-to-person transmission does not occur under normal circumstances. There are, however, rare instances in which infection has been associated with blood transfusions, organ transplants, or mother-to-child transmission.

The majority of cases are asymptomatic

According to the cited data, between 70% and 80% of infected individuals experience no symptoms at all. When symptoms do occur, they are generally mild and may include:

• fever
• headaches
• fatigue
• muscle pain
• nausea
• skin rashes

Severe forms can affect the nervous system

In a small proportion of cases, the infection can progress to serious neurological complications, such as meningitis or encephalitis. Symptoms of these forms include high fever, neck stiffness, confusion, seizures, muscle weakness, or paralysis — conditions that require urgent medical attention.

The WHO's position

Hans Henri P. Kluge, the World Health Organisation's Regional Director for Europe, stated: "West Nile virus is not a new threat, but the conditions that favour its spread are changing rapidly. Higher temperatures and longer summers give mosquitoes more time and a wider territory in which to transmit this virus." The WHO official emphasised that, whilst most infections are mild or go unnoticed, neurological forms can be life-threatening.

No vaccine available

There is currently no authorised vaccine for humans against the West Nile virus, nor any specific antiviral treatment. Medical care focuses on relieving symptoms, and patients with severe forms may require hospitalisation and supportive treatment.

WHO recommendations for reducing risk

• use mosquito repellents
• wear long-sleeved tops and long trousers
• fit screens to windows and doors
• avoid being outdoors at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active
• eliminate standing water around the home

Specialists recommend that anyone who develops a fever or neurological symptoms following mosquito bites or travel to affected areas should seek medical assessment as promptly as possible.