Three West Nile Virus Infections Confirmed, One Fatal; Doctor Warns: 'Do Not Neglect Mosquito Bites'

Romania has confirmed three cases of West Nile virus infection, including one death, according to physician Tudor Ciuhodaru. He cautions that infectious disease specialists anticipate a rise in cases and urges the public not to ignore mosquito bites, as they can be fatal.

Ciuhodaru outlined five warning signs that necessitate emergency medical attention: high fever accompanied by severe headache, vomiting, general malaise, and increased sensitivity to light, appearing two to eight days after a mosquito bite. He emphasized that there is no specific treatment for the West Nile virus. Moderate cases, occurring in about one in five infections, may involve fever, headaches, nausea, vomiting, muscle and joint pain, and sometimes rash or swollen lymph nodes, typically improving within seven to ten days.

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Do not neglect mosquito bites. They can become lethal.

To prevent infection, Ciuhodaru recommends avoiding mosquito bites, particularly during dusk and dawn when they are most active. He also advises using insect repellents on exposed skin, wearing long sleeves and pants, and ensuring insect screens on windows and doors are intact. Eliminating stagnant water around homes and in building basements is crucial to curb mosquito breeding.

Approximately 90% of infected individuals show no symptoms. The virus is transmitted through mosquito bites and not by physical contact. Severe symptoms, affecting about one in 150 infected people, can lead to meningoencephalitis. The risk of severe illness and death is higher for individuals over 50 or those with compromised immune systems. Neurological effects can be permanent, and symptoms may persist for weeks.

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High fever accompanied by intense headache, vomiting, general malaise, and increased sensitivity to light, appearing two to eight days after the mosquito bite.