West Nile fever was confirmed in 13 people from the Seville region in Spain. It is a viral disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes.
West Nile fever – what is this disease?
25 people are currently in hospitals diagnosed with encephalomyelitis and meningitis, nine people have been referred to intensive care units, Europa Press reported on Sunday, citing sources from the Ministry of Health of the region of Andalusia.
Regional epidemiological services informed that the disease is transmitted by mosquitoes and there has been no transmission of the virus from infected people.
According to a specialist in the biology department of the University of Salamanca, Felix Torres, the West Nile fever in the Seville region is caused by the bite of the common mosquito of the genus Culex.
- Also read: Dengue and West Nile Fever – New Threats in Europe
“Mosquitoes become infected when bitten by infected birds, and can later transmit the virus to humans and other mammals, most often horses,” he explained. According to Torres, the mandatory quarantine period in Spain coincided with that of mosquito reproduction, especially in areas with stagnant water and puddles. “But very few people develop the disease,” he reassured.
The regional ministry of health has introduced environmental control procedures, including fumigation of risk zones such as gardens and parks. It also recommended taking preventive measures against mosquito bites: inserting mosquito nets in windows and doors, not staying outdoors at night, putting out lights in apartments, taking care of body hygiene and avoiding strong perfumes, putting on clothes that cover the body as much as possible, using insect repellent preparations.
Według Światowej Organizacji Zdrowia (WHO) u 80 proc. zainfekowanych nie występują objawy choroby. In the most severe cases, inflammation of the brain or meninges can occur, with a risk of brain damage and death.
Author: Grażyna Opińska / PAP
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