Multiple Fatalities Reported due to West Nile Virus
Category: Health and Medical
Severity: 3 (Moderate)
Source: Drum Cussac
09/13/2019 (Greece) - According to local and international media sources, the death toll from the West Nile Virus (WNV) has reached 20 people as of Thursday, 12 September, covering the period from June this year. All those killed in this timeframe were over the age of 60. Reportedly, as of Thursday, a total of 176 cases of the mosquito-borne virus had been diagnosed nationwide since the start of 2019. Of these, 109 developed illnesses affecting the central nervous system such as encephalitis or meningitis. When authorities reported on WNV in August 2019, most cases appeared in the areas of Xanthi, Kavala and Larissa.
The West Nile Virus is a viral infection typically spread by mosquitoes. In about 75% of infections people have few or no symptoms. The incubation period for WNV is typically from between 2 and 15 days. Headache can be a prominent symptom of WNV fever. Symptoms of severe illness include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. Travellers should immediately consult a physician upon presentation of any of the aforementioned symptoms. To lessen the risk, use insect repellent, wear long-sleeve shirts, and sleep under a bed net. Members should monitor local media sources for further updates.
Copyright © 2024 Drum Cussac
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