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

The National Institute of Public Health (INSP) has updated the tally of West Nile virus infections for this season: 10 cases recorded, of which 7 are confirmed and 3 probable. The data are published by the National Centre for Surveillance and Control of Communicable Diseases (CNSCBT) and cover the period 3 June – 5 August.

Two deaths have also been reported, both involving elderly individuals who were suffering from other conditions (comorbidities).

Who has been affected

By age group, the cases were distributed as follows: 20–29 years (two cases), 30–39 years (two), 40–49 years (one), 50–59 years (one), 60–69 years (one), 70–79 years (two), and 80 years or older (one).

Of those affected, five are women, and four live in urban areas.

Where the cases were recorded

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

How to reduce the risk of infection

Specialists recommend several preventive measures, particularly for people exposed to mosquitoes during this period:

• Wearing long-sleeved clothing and long trousers.
• Using mosquito repellent products.
• Using insecticides inside the home or around it.
• Fitting protective screens to windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering the house.
• Eliminating standing water from yards or around the household – draining puddles, removing water containers and household waste, which can serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.