Romania sees 80 cases of West Nile virus infection and eight deaths in five months

A total of 80 people were infected with the West Nile virus in Romania between May 1 and September 29 this year, and eight of them died, according to data published on the National Public Health Institute’s website. The eight people who died after being infected with the West Nile virus were from Bucharest and Braila, Ialomita, Iasi, Mures, and Teleorman counties, reports local Agerpres. One of the fatal cases was registered in early August. Most cases of infection were registered in Braila (17) and Bucharest (16), followed by Galati (8), Ilfov (6), Ialomita (5), Iasi (5), Bacau (4), Dolj (3), Olt (3), Giurgiu (3), Prahova (2), Tulcea (2), Constanta (2), and Mehedinti, Mures, Teleorman, and Valcea (one case each). The West Nile virus is most commonly transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. Most people infected with this virus will have no symptoms, and about one in five individuals who are infected will develop a fever with other symptoms, according to information posted on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. Doctors recommend people to reduce the risk of getting infected by using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing to prevent mosquito bites. Romania registers 40 cases of West Nile virus infection in four months Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com