New case of West Nile Virus reported in Romania; signs and symptoms to look out for
Romania has reported its second case of West Nile virus this season, in an 80-year-old man from Mureş County. Health officials have urged people to take precautions such as wearing protective clothing, using repellents and keeping away from standing water. Read on to learn about the signs and symptoms to look out for.
New case of West Nile Virus reported in Romania; Signs and symptoms to look out for (Image courtesy: iStock)
Romania‘National Public Health The institute reported one new case West Nile virus InfectionThis is the second confirmed case in the country this season. The latest infection occurred in an 80-year-old man from Mureş county in central Romania, reports Xinhua news agency.
West Nile virus (WNV) is a serious disease that can cause neurological complications and even death. The virus spreads through a transmission cycle involving birds and mosquitoes. While most human infections occur through mosquito bites, there is currently no specific vaccine or antiviral treatment available for WNV.
Signs and Symptoms of West Nile Virus
Most individuals infected with West Nile virus may not develop any symptoms. However, about 20 percent of infected people may develop mild symptoms, including:
– Fever
– Headache
– body pain
– Tiredness
– skin rash
– swollen lymph nodes
Although these symptoms can be mild and often resolve quickly, West Nile virus can cause serious illness in some cases, especially in older people and people with weakened immune systems. Severe symptoms may include:
– High fever
– terrible headache
– stiff neck
– Disorientation
– Tremors or spasms
– muscle weakness
– vision loss
– Numbness
– Paralysis
These severe symptoms may indicate neuroinvasive disease, such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord), or acute flaccid paralysis. In rare cases, West Nile virus infection can be fatal.
preventative measures
Due to the continued increase in cases, public health officials are urging the public to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of West Nile virus infection. These include:
1. Wearing protective clothing: People are advised to wear long-sleeved clothes and pants when going out, especially during the peak mosquito activity times in the morning and evening. This can help reduce skin exposure to mosquito bites.
2. Use of mosquito repellents and insecticides: Using insecticides containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin and clothing can greatly reduce the risk of mosquito bites. Additionally, using insecticides in and around homes can help control mosquito populations.
3. Install mesh on windows and doors: Ensuring that windows and doors have mesh can prevent mosquitoes from entering homes. Repairing any tears or gaps in the mesh is important to keep these pests out of the home.
4. Remove standing water: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so it’s important to remove any potential breeding sites. This includes regularly emptying birdbaths, pet water dishes and flower pot saucers, and making sure drains and drainage areas are clear.
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