Ukraine is facing a serious new threat related to the West Nile virus, which is spread through mosquito bites. As Newsweek reports, this disease, which has already become a problem in many countries, may now pose a danger to Ukrainians against the background of the ongoing war.
Since the beginning of July, 88 cases of West Nile fever have been registered in Ukraine, 11 people have died. This disease poses a serious threat, according to Deputy Minister of Health of Ukraine and epidemiologist Ihor Kuzin.
West Nile fever is usually spread by mosquitoes that pick up the virus from infected birds. The virus causes symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, rash, diarrhea and headache. Outbreak centers are usually located on bird migration routes, several of which pass through Ukraine.
Currently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment for this disease, while the Ministry of Health of Ukraine estimates the mortality rate at 2-14%.
