Cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) have been reported across Europe and the continental US again this year. WNV activity typically occurs during the summer and fall, although annual cases can fluctuate widely due to periodic epidemics. All residents in the area where WNV cases are reported are considered at risk of the infection.
Since the beginning of 2022, the transmission season of the WNV in Europe countries have reported hundreds of human cases. These countries include Italy, Romania, Austria, Germany, Slovakia, and Greece. Meanwhile, health officials in Illinois just reported its first death case related to the WNV.
West Nile Virus: Greece Confirms 123 Cases, 11 Related Deaths While Illinois Reports First Death Case
West Nile Virus Confirmed Cases and Deaths in Greece
The West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne infection that is transmitted via the bite of an infected mosquito. According to the news outlet Greek Reporter, the first time it was detected in Europe was in 1950 and since then an increased number of outbreaks have been observed over the past two decades.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says that 80% show no symptoms of the infection, while 20% will develop into West Nile Fever (WNF), which is an influenza-like illness with symptoms similar to dengue infection. Mortality is rare and usually occurs in elderly patients, and recovery is also possible.
The European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries have reported that as of August 24, 2022, there are 101 human cases of WNV and four related deaths in the region. It further increased within the week as health authorities in Greece announced that there are 123 confirmed cases of WNV in the country and 11 virus-related death this year.
The data from the National Organization for Public Health (EODY) shows that 74 out of the 123 confirmed cases displayed symptoms that affected their central nervous system, including encephalitis, meningitis, and others. Meanwhile, 49% had mild or no symptoms at all. This is a significant increase from last year with only 59 cases and eight deaths recorded at the same time period.
The 36 new confirmed cases in the past week were identified in Thessaloniki, Imathia, Kilkis, Pella, Pieria, Halkidiki, Serres, Trikala, and Larissa.
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Illinois Reports First West Nile Virus Death in 2022
The West Nile Virus is not exclusive to Europe as the US is also experiencing cases of the infection. For instance, Illinois just reported the first death case related to the virus this year.
According to CBS News, The man from Cook County is in his late 70s and got sick with the virus earlier this month and later died which WNV is a contributing factor.
The Cook County Department of Health Chief Operating Officer Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck said that West Nile Virus is a risk during this time when kids are going back to school. He reminds the public to take extra precautions, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
The CCDPH noted that symptoms of WNV may include fever, nausea, headache, and muscle aches, although many could get infected without these symptoms.
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