In recent days, an increase in West Nile virus infections transmitted by Culex mosquitoes has been observed in Istanbul and Bursa. The Ministry of Health announced that West Nile virus was detected in 6 people in 2024. According to the statement made by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Health Department Head Dr. Önder Yüksel Eryiğit to 10Haber, there are 21 cases in Istanbul alone.
IT WAS FIRST SEEN 14 YEARS AGO
West Nile virus, which was first seen in Turkey in 2010 and last caused an epidemic in 2019, has started to be seen again. The Ministry of Health announced that the virus, which is transmitted by “Culex” type mosquitoes and causes West Nile fever, was detected in 6 people in 2024. A ‘West Nile virus’ warning was issued by the Samsun Provincial Health Directorate.
PAY ATTENTION TO 9 DISTRICTS
Dr. Önder Yüksel Eryiğit, Head of Health Department of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, stated that according to the examinations, there are nine districts where Culex mosquitoes are most dense, and listed those districts as Ümraniye, Beylikdüzü, Arnavutköy, Eyüp Sultan, Başakşehir, Esenyurt, Avcılar, Küçükçekmece and Büyükçekmece.
21 PEOPLE UNDER TREATMENT
Speaking about the cases in Istanbul, Eryiğit said, “We have been following the suspicious case definitions since the first day. There are currently 21 reported cases in Istanbul. These people are under hospital treatment due to West Nile virus. All of them are from the nine districts I just listed. Fortunately, there are no fatal cases yet.”
THOUSANDS OF THEM ARE PRODUCING FROM A WATER PUDDLE
Eryiğit said, “If mosquitoes come to puddles and lay eggs, thousands of mosquitoes can breed and spread into nature. Therefore, it is very important for Istanbulites to renew the water bowls they put outside for stray animals every three or four days. Or, those who have an ornamental pool in their garden should not keep the water there throughout the summer, they should empty the old water and renew it.”