West Nile: 10 confirmed cases in Romania, two deaths in elderly patients with underlying conditions

The National Institute of Public Health (INSP) has announced that the number of West Nile virus infection cases this season has risen to 10. According to the latest report from the National Centre for Surveillance and Control of Communicable Diseases (CNSCBT), part of the INSP, 7 confirmed cases and 3 probable cases were recorded between 3 June and 5 August.

To date, 2 deaths have been reported, both in elderly individuals who also had other medical conditions (comorbidities).

Distribution of cases by age and region

Cases were recorded in individuals from the following age groups: 20–29 years (two cases), 30–39 years (two cases), 40–49 years (one case), 50–59 years (one case), 60–69 years (one case), 70–79 years (two cases), and over 80 years (one case).

Five of those affected are women, and four reside in urban areas.

Based on the area where exposure occurred, cases were reported in the counties of Argeș (1), Botoșani (1), Cluj (1), Iași (1), Giurgiu (1), Mureș (1), Suceava (2), Harghita (1 case – the individual was infected in another country, but the case was attributed to their county of residence), and the municipality of București (1).

Recommendations from specialists

To reduce the risk of infection, INSP specialists recommend that the public:

• Avoid exposure to mosquitoes by wearing long-sleeved clothing and long trousers
• Use chemical mosquito repellents
• Use insecticides inside the home and in surrounding areas
• Fit protective screens on windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home
• Drain any pools of standing water around the property
• Remove containers holding stagnant water and dispose of household waste properly

These measures are particularly important for elderly individuals and those with other health conditions, as both deaths reported so far occurred within this population group.