Over the past three months, Kyiv has experienced an outbreak of West Nile fever, a serious viral disease transmitted through mosquito bites. According to the Kyiv City State Administration's Department of Health, 17 people with the diagnosis were admitted to St. Michael's Clinical Hospital, three of whom died from severe complications.
Alarming statistics and causes of the disease
Among the patients are 10 men and 7 women from different districts of the capital, as well as two people from Kyiv and Cherkasy regions. All patients required inpatient treatment due to a serious condition caused by the disease. As reported by the Director of the Department of Health Valentina Ginzburg, three patients could not be saved due to serious complications, including meningoencephalitis.
“Unfortunately, severe forms of West Nile fever can lead to meningoencephalitis, which is life-threatening,” Ginsburg noted.
Virus characteristics
West Nile fever is classified as a particularly dangerous disease, classified as Group IV risk according to international WHO standards. The virus has a similar structure to viruses that cause encephalitis, as well as the Dengue fever virus. The main reservoir of the virus is migratory birds, in whose blood the virus can persist from 14 to 200 days. Mosquitoes, which are carriers of the virus, can transmit it to humans and animals.
Symptoms
The disease begins acutely - with chills and a rapid rise in temperature, accompanied by symptoms of intoxication. The febrile period lasts from 2 to 6 days. In severe cases, meningitis or encephalitis may develop. Since there is currently no specific treatment for West Nile fever, therapy is symptomatic, and at the first symptoms of the disease it is important to urgently consult a doctor.
Prevention tips
To reduce the risk of disease, experts advise using mosquito nets, repellents, and wearing clothing that covers the body as much as possible, especially when walking in parks and forests. The risk of disease decreases with lower air temperatures and the disappearance of mosquitoes.
“Preserving health and preventing disease requires simple but effective measures. Take care of yourself and your health by following preventive recommendations,” emphasized Valentina Ginzburg.
