NIPH: 95 cases of West Nile virus infection and five deaths in Romania

The National Institute of Public Health reported 95 cases of West Nile virus infection in Romania between June 3 and September 16. Of these, 83 were confirmed, while 12 are considered probable. Five elderly people, who also had other health problems, died after being infected with the virus transmitted through mosquito bites.

Most cases were recorded in Bucharest, where 37 illnesses were reported. It was followed by Ilfov County, with 10 cases; Călărași and Giurgiu, with six each; Ialomița, with five; and Brăila, with four. Other cases were reported in Argeș, Bihor, Botoșani, Buzău, Cluj, Constanța, Dâmbovița, Galați, Harghita, Iași, Mureș, Prahova, Satu Mare, Suceava, Teleorman, Vaslui and Vrancea.

Specialists recommend avoiding exposure to mosquitoes by wearing long-sleeved clothing and long trousers and using insect repellents. People are advised to use insecticides in and around their homes, install window screens and eliminate standing water from their properties to reduce places where mosquitoes can breed.