In recent days, an increase in West Nile virus infection cases 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. Dokuz Eylül University Medical Microbiology Department Virology Department Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ali Öktem, an expert in animal-borne viral diseases, shared information about West Nile virus with Türkiye Newspaper. Stating that there is no vaccine or special treatment for the virus, Prof. Dr. Öktem explained the only way to protect himself.
RESPONSIBLE CULEX MOSQUITOES
Stating that the West Nile virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of Culex mosquitoes, which suck the blood of infected birds and are also found in Turkey, Prof. Dr. Öktem said, “The virus is mainly transmitted by one type of mosquito, but there is no guarantee that it will not be transmitted by others.”
DEVELOPING SERIOUS NEUROLOGICAL DISEASE
Stating that approximately 1 in 5 people who have caught the virus may develop other symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, joint pain, headache, body aches or rash along with fever, Prof. Dr. Öktem said, “Some people who catch the virus develop a serious neurological disease such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes). Neurological disease symptoms include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures or paralysis. Most people recover completely from this type of West Nile fever, but fatigue and weakness can continue for weeks or months. Let’s also add that it is not transmitted from every mosquito. Only mosquitoes that have come into contact with infected birds transmit the virus.”
TURKEY’S WESTERN CITIES ARE AT RISK
West Nile virus disease, which takes its name from the West Nile region of Uganda where the disease was first seen, is carried to different parts of the world due to bird migration. Stating that the western cities of Turkey on the bird migration routes are at risk, Prof. Dr. Öktem pointed out that the infection is more common between June and September. Prof. Dr. Öktem pointed out that wetlands, puddles and areas such as dams and lakes, which are breeding points for mosquitoes, pose a danger.
IN SEVERE CASES IT CAUSES CEREBRAL PARALYSIS AND DEATH
Prof. Dr. Öktem stated that although most people who contract the virus experience symptoms similar to the flu and cold, some may experience severe conditions that require hospitalization, and said, “In some cases, the central nervous system is affected, and brain inflammation, spinal cord and meningitis develop. These diseases, which require urgent intervention and treatment, can be fatal. Cancer patients and other immunocompromised patients, those with chronic diseases, the elderly and especially children are at risk for West Nile virus infection.”